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""•  OF  PR/.V.^ 
COLLECTk*^??^ 
of     X^OGIOAU^ 

HYMNS 


A   LITURGY, 

FOR  THE  USE  OF 

EVANGELICAL    LUTHERAN    CHURCHES 

TO    WHICH    ARE    ADDED 

PRAYERS 

FOR    FAMILIES    AND    INDIVIDUALS. 


New  and  Enlarged  Stereotype  Edition. 


PUBLISHED   BY   ORDER   OF   THE   EVANGELICAL   LUTHERAN 
MINISTERIUM     OF    THE     STATE     OF     NEW-YORK. 


"  I  will  pray  with  the  spirit,  and  I  will  pray  with  the  understanding' 
also.  I  will  sing  with  the  spirit,  and  I  will  sing  with  the  understand- 
ing also." — 1  Cor.  xiv.  15. 


N  E  W  -  Y  O  R  K  ! 

PRINTED  AND   SOLD   BY  HENRY   LUDWIG, 

Corner  of  Greenwich  and  Vesey-streets. 

Sold  also  by  N.  B.  HOLMES.  No.  262,  Greenwich-st.,  New- York  ;— Rev. 
F.  G.  MAYER.  No.  25,  Montgomery-street,  Albany  /—GEORGE  W. 
IfENTZ  &  SON,  No.  53,  North  Third-st.,  Philadelphia ;— and  also 
at  Charleston,  S.  C. 

~T834~ 


[Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-four.byF.W.GEissENHAiNER,  jr. 
and  Wm.  D.  Strobel,  in  trust  for  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Ministerium 
of  the  State  of  New-York  and  adjacent  parts,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of 
the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern  District  of 
New-York.] 


new-york: 
stereotyped  by  henry  w.  rees, 

No.  45,  Gold- street. 


PREFACE 

TO     THE     NEW     AND     ENLARGED    EDITION. 


By  a  resolution  of  the  thirty-eighth  Synod  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Ministerium  of  the  State  of 
New- York  and  adjacent  parts,  held  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  in  September,  1833,  the  Rev.  Messrs.  P.  F. 
Mayer.  D.D.,  C.  R.  Dembe,  D.D.,  F.  G.  Mayer, 
F.  W.  Geissenhainer,  Jr.,  and  Wwr.  D.  Strobel 
were  constituted  a  Committee  for  the  purpose  of  pub- 
lishing a  New  Edition  of  the  Hymn  Book  and  Lit- 
urgy, with  an  additional  number  of  Hymns  and  Pray- 
ers. The  present  work  has  been  prepared  and  pub- 
lished in  accordance  with  the  said  Resolution,  and  it 
is  hoped,  that  it  will  be  found  adapted  to  the  wants 
of  the  Church. 

New -York,  August  1,  1534. 


PREFACE    TO    THE    FORMER   EDITION. 

The  singing  of  Hymns  is  justly  considered  a  delightful  and  impor- 
tant part  of  public  worship.  It  was  in  use  even  among  the  ancient 
heathens.  Moses  introduced  it,  by  D;vine  command,  into  his  religious 
institution  ;  and  David  raised  it  to  high  perfection  by  his  poetical  ta- 
lents and  musical  skill.  Our  blessed  Saviour  has  recommended  this 
pious  exercise  to  his  followers  by  his  own  practice  ;  and  St.  Paul  ex- 
horts us  to  "teach  and  admonish  one  another  in  spiritual  songs,  sing- 
ing with  grace  in  our  hearts  to  the  Lord."  No  ac*  of  social  religion  is 
either  more  pleasing  in  itself,  or  more  happily  adapted  to  cherish  the 
love  of  God  and  man,  than  that  which  is  enforced  by  these  high  authori- 
ties. 

The  Lutheran  Church  in  Germany  is  distinguished  for  its  attachment 
to  sacred  music,  and  is  possessed  of,  perhaps,  the  best  and  most  nu- 
merous collections  of  hymns  extant  in  the  Christian  world.  From 
this  source,  our  congregations  in  the  United  States  have  derived  abun- 
dant supplies.  The  prevalence  of  the  English  language,  however, 
makes  it  necessary  for  many  members  of  our  communion  to  conduct 
their  public  worship,  altogether,  or  in  part,  in  that  language,  and  of 


IV  PREFACE. 

course  to  provide  for  them  a  compilation  of  English  hymns.  This  has 
indeed  been  already  attempted  by  several  individuals.  But  as  the  se- 
lections, published  by  them,  evidently  admit  of  great  improvement, 
another  was  ordered  to  be  prepared  by  a  committee  appointed  for  that 
purpose  by  the  Lutheran  Synod  of  the  State  of  New-York,  convened  at 
Rhinebeck  in  September,  A.D.  1812 ;  and  in  compliance  with  this  order, 
the  following  work  is  printed.  It  is  not  pretended  to  be  as  perfect  as 
could  be  wished,  nor  are  all  its  parts  of  equal  value.  But  the  materials, 
of  which  it  is  composed,  have  been  chosen  with  no  little  care  and  con- 
sideration ;  a  large  number  of  hymn-books  of  various  denominations  has 
been  consulted;  and  it  is  hoped,  that  it  will  receive  in  a  good  degree 
the  approbation  of  those  for  whom  it  is  intended,  and  become  a  means  of 
promoting  their  edification. 

The  same  Committee  was  charged  with  the  preparation  of  a  new  and 
enlarged  Liturgy  for  our  churches.  Forms  of  prayer,  with  necessary 
directions  and  addresses  to  congregations,  are,  accordingly,  presented 
in  this  volume,  proper  to  be  employed  in  Divine  service  generally,  in 
the  administration  of  the  sacraments,  and  in  the  celebration  of  other 
solemn  rites  customary  amongst  us.  But  the  use  of  these  forms  is  left 
entirely  to  the  discretion  of  congregations  and  ministers,  the  Synod 
having  no  design  to  make  them  binding  upon  any  in  connection  with 
us,  but  judging  that  the  leaders  of  the  devotions  of  their  brethren 
should  be  at  perfect  liberty  to  address  the  throne  of  grace  in  their  own 
words.  It  will,  perhaps,  be  found  most  expedient,  that  such  forms  and 
the  free  or  precomposed  prayers  of  ministers  should  be  used  alternate- 
ly. At  all  events,  the  Liturgy  will,  we  trust,  prove  serviceable  to 
young  clergymen,  to  vacant  churches,  and  to  persons  remote  from 
Christian  temples  and  desiring  to  unite  together  in  the  adoration  of 
the  Most  High. 

Along  with  devotional  exercises  for  congregations,it  has  been  thought 
proper  to  publish  others  for  families  and  individuals,  adapted  to  a  va- 
riety of  situations,  relations,  and  characters.  Some  of  these,  as  well 
as  several  parts  of  the  Liturgy,  have  been  translated  from  the  German; 
others  have  been  taken  from  English  authors  and  collections  ;  and  a 
considerable  degree  of  freedom  has  been  used  in  selecting  and  framing 
them.  We  commend  this  part  of  the  work  particularly  to  the  atten- 
tion of  our  brethren  in  their  domestic  and  private  worship  ;  believing, 
that  it  breathes  a  spirit  of  pure  Christian  piety  and  love  ;  and  hoping, 
that  it  will  assist  in  instructing  the  young  and  uninformed  how  to  pray, 
in  comforting  the  distressed,  in  awakening  a  sense  of  religion  in  the 
careless,  and  in  quickening  the  faith,  hope,  and  charity  of  upright  be- 
lievers in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

To  the  whole  of  this  Book,  as  far  as  it  agrees  with  his  ti  uth  in  scrip- 
ture, may  it  please  Almighty  God  to  give  his  blessing,  and  make  it  in- 
strumental in  glorifying  his  name. 

FREDERICK  H.  QUITMAN,  D.D. 
President  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Synod  of  the  State  of  N.  York. 
Augustus  Wackerhagen,  Secretary,  p.t. 


COLLECTION 


OF 


HYMNS 


FOR 


EVANGELICAL    LUTHERAN 


CHURCHES. 


ORDER  AND  SUBJECTS  OF  THE  HYMNS. 


Page 

I.  Praise  and  Thanksgiving,  ] 

II.  Character  and  Perfections  of  God,  22 

III.  Works  of  God  in  Nature,              ...  44 

IV.  Divine  Providence  and  Government,  52 

V.  Mission  and  Nativity  of  Christ,  69 

VI.  Office  and  Mediation  of  Christ,  77 

VII.  Example  of  Christ, 93 

VIII.  Sufferings  and  Death  of  Christ,                        -  97 

IX.  Resurrection  and  Glory  of  Christ,         -         -  112 

X.  Kingdom  and  Church  of  Christ,    -  124 

XI.  The  Influence  of  God's  Holy  Spirit,      -         -  131 

XII.  The  Scriptures, 140 

XIII.  Supplication  for  the  Divine  Favour  and  Assis- 

tance,      -------  147 

XIV.  The  Danger  and  Misery  of  Sin,             -         -  158 

XV.  Repentance  and  Conversion,         -  167 

XVI.  The  Joy  and  Happiness  of  True  Christians,  179 

XVII.  The  Christian  Character  and  Life,  in  general,  189 

XVIII.  Faith,          - 202 

XIX.  Duties  of  Piety, 209 

XX.  Personal  Duties, 221 

XXI.  Social  Duties, 229 

XXII.  Public  Worship, 244 

XXIII.  Baptism, 258 

XXIV.  The  Lord's  Supper,     -         -         -         -         -  261 

XXV.  Particular  Occasions  and  Circumstances,        -  267 

1.  Morning,             -  267 

2.  Evening, 271 

3.  New-Year, 274 

4.  Public  and  National  Blessings  and  Afflic- 

tions,          276 

5.  For  a  Congregation,     -  287 

6.  Sickness  and  Recovery,          -  291 

7.  On  the  Death  of  Relatives  or  Friends,     -  297 

8.  For  the  Young  and  Old,         -  302 

XXVI.  The  Troubles  of  Life,          -        -        -        -  306 

XXVII.  Death, 316 

XXVIII.  Resurrection, 332 

XXIX.  Judgment  and  End  of  the  World,        -        -  335 

XXX.  Heaven, 342 

XXXI.  Additional  Hymns, 351 


COLLECTION    OF   HYMNS 


I 

PRAISE  AND  THANKSGIVING. 


Hymn  1.   l.  m. 

1  T3EFORE  Jehovah's  awful  throne, 
J3   Ye  nations  bow  with  sacred  joy : 
Know  that  the  Lord  is  God  alone ; 

He  can  create,  and  he  destroy. 

2  His  sov' reign  pow'r,  without  our  aid, 

Made  us  of  clay,  and  form'd  us  men; 
And,  when  like  wand' ring  sheep  we  stray' d, 
He  brought  us  to  his  fold  again. 

3  We  are  his  people,  we  his  care, 

Our  souls  and  all  our  mortal  frame : 
What  lasting  honours  shall  we  rear, 
Almighty  Maker,  to  thy  name  ? 

4  We'll  crowd  thy  gates  with  thankful  songs ; 

High  as  the  heav'ns  our  voices  raise  ; 
And  earth  with  her  ten  thousand  tongues, 
Shall  fill  thy  courts  with  sounding  praise. 

5  Wide  as  the  world  is  thy  command ; 

Vast  as  eternity  thy  love  ; 
Firm  as  a  rock  thy  truth  must  stand, 
When  rolling  years  shall  cease  to  move, 


2  praise  and 

Hymn  2.  l.  m. 

1  "1%/rY  God,  my  Life,  thy  various  praise 
JLtJL  Shall  fill  the  remnant  of  my  days ; 
Thy  grace  employ  my  thankful  tongue, 
Till  death  improve  the  grateful  song. 

2  The  wings  of  ev'ry  hour  shall  bear 
Some  thankful  tribute  to  thine  ear ; 
And  ev'ry  setting  sun  shall  see 
New  works  of  duty  done  for  thee. 

3  But  who  can  speak  thy  wondrous  deeds'? 
Thy  greatness  all  our  thoughts  exceeds. 
Vast  and  unsearchable  thy  ways, 

Vast  and  unceasing  be  thy  praise. 

4  Let  endless  honours  crown  thy  head  ; 
Let  ev'ry  age  thy  praises  spread; 
While  we  with  cheerful  songs  approve 
The  condescension  of  thy  love. 

Hymn  3.  c.  m. 

1  "^L7"E  humble  souls,  approach  your  God 

JL    With  songs  of  sacred  praise  ; 
For  He  is  good,  immensely  good, 
And  kind  are  all  his  ways. 

2  All  nature  owns  his  guardian  care; 

In  him  we  live  and  move  : 
But  nobler  benefits  declare 
The  wonders  of  his  love. 

3  He  gave  his  Son,  his  only  Son, 

To  ransom  rebel  worms. 
'Tis  here  he  makes  his  goodness  known 
In  its  diviner  forms. 

4  To  this  dear  refuge,  Lord,  we  come; 

'Tis  here  our  hope  relies  ; 
A  safe  defence,  a  peaceful  home, 
When  storms  of  trouble  rise. 


THANKSGIVING. 

5  Thine  eye  beholds  with  kind  regard 

The  souls  who  trust  in  thee  ; 
Their  humble  hope  thou  wilt  reward 
With  bliss  divinely  free. 

6  Great  God,  to  thy  almighty  love 

What  honours  shall  we  raise? 
Not  all  the  raptur'd  songs  above 
Can  render  equal  praise. 


Hymn  4.  c.  m. 

ORD,  when  our  raptur'd  thought  surveys 
Creation's  beauties  o'er ; 
All  nature  joins  to  teach  thy  praise, 
And  bids  our  souls  adore. 


L 


2  Where'er  we  turn  our  gazing  eyes, 

Thy  radiant  footsteps  shine  ; 
Ten  thousand  pleasing  wonders  rise, 
And  speak  their  source  divine. 

3  The  living  tribes  of  countless  forms 

In  earth  and  sea  and  air, 
T!ie  meanest  flies,  the  smallest  worms, 
Almighty  pow'r  declare. 

4  Thy  wisdom  pow'r,  and  goodness,  Lord, 

In  all  thy  works  appear  : 
And,  O !  let  man  thy  praise  record; 
Man,  thy  distinguish' d  care  ! 

5  From  thee  the  breath  of  life  he  drew ; 

That  breath  thy  pow'r  maintains ; 
Thy  tender  mercy,  ever  new, 
His  brittle  frame  sustains. 

6  Yet  nobler  favours  claim  his  praise, 

Of  reasons  light  possess' d, 

By  revelation's  brightest  rays 

Still  more  divinely  bless' d. 


4  PRAISE    AND 

7  On  us  thy  providence  has  shone 
With  gentle,  smiling  rays ; 
O  may  our  lips  and  lives  make  known 
Thy  goodness  and  thy  praise  ! 

Hymn  5.  l.  m. 

1  /^  IVE  to  our  God  immortal  praise  ! 
vX  Mercy  and  truth  are  all  his  ways. 
Wonders  of  grace  to  God  belong  : 
Repeat  his  mercies  in  your  song. 

2  Give  to  the  Lord  of  lords  renown, 
The  King  of  kings  with  glory  crown. 
His  mercies  ever  shall  endure, 

When  lords  and  kings  are  known  no  more. 

3  He  built  the  earth,  he  spread  the  sky, 
And  fix'd  the  starry  lights  on  high. 
Wonders  of  grace  to  God  belong: 
Repeat  his  mercies  in  your  song. 

4  He  fills  the  sun  with  morning  light ; 
He  bids  the  moon  direct  the  night. 
His  mercies  ever  shall  endure, 

When  suns  and  moons  shall  shine  no  more. 

5  He  sent  his  Son  with  pow'r  to  save 
From  guilt,  and  darkness,  and  the  grave. 
Wonders  of  grace  to  God  belong  : 
Repeat  his  mercies  in  your  song. 

6  Through  this  vain  world  he  guides  our  feet, 
And  leads  us  to  his  heav'nly  seat. 

His  mercies  ever  shall  endure, 

When  this  vain  world  shall  be  no  more. 

Hymn  6.  l.  m. 

1   Tjl  ROM  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies, 
Sj     Let  the  Creator's  praise  arise ; 
Let  the  Redeemer's  name  be  sung 
Through  ev'ry  land,  by  ev'ry  tongue. 


THANKSGIVING. 

2  Eternal  are  thy  mercies,  Lord, 
Eternal  truth  attends  thy  word. 
Thy  praise  shall  sound  from  shore  to  shore, 
Till  sims  shall  rise  and  set  no  more. 

Hymn  7.  p.  m.  &. 

1   T  LL  praise  my  Maker,  whilst.  I've  breath; 
A  And,  when  my  voice  is  lost  in  death, 

Praise  shall  employ  my  nobler  pow'rs. 
My  days  of  praise  shall  ne'er  be  past 
Whilst  life  and  thought  and  being  last, 

Or  immortality  endures. 

2  Happy  the  man,  whose  hopes  rely 
On  Israel's  God,  who  made  the  sky, 

And  earth,  and  seas,  with  all  their  train. 
His  truth  for  ever  stands  secure ; 
He  saves  tlf  oppress' d,  he  feeds  the  poor ; 

And  none  shall  find  his  promise  vain. 

3  The  Lord  pours  eye-sight  on  the  blind ; 
The  Lord  supports  the  fainting  mind ; 

He  sends  the  lab' ring  conscience  peace : 
He  helps  the  stranger  in  distress, 
The  widow  and  the  fatherless, 

And  grants  the  pris'ner  sweet  release. 

4  I'll  praise  him,  while  he  lends  me  breath  ; 
And,  when  my  voice  is  lost  in  death, 

Praise  shall  employ  my  nobler  pow'rs. 
My  days  of  praise  shall  ne'er  be  past, 
Whilst  life  and  thought  and  being  last, 

Or  immortality  endures. 

Hymn  8.  p.  m.  ios&ih. 

1   f\  PRAISE  ye  the  Lord  !  prepare  a  new  song; 
V^  And  let  all  his  saints  in  full  concert  join : 
With  voices  united  the  anthem  prolong, 
And  shew  forth  hi3  praises  with  music  divine. 


6  PRAISE    AND 

2  Let  praise  to  the  Lord,  who  made  us,  ascend ; 

Let  each  grateful  heart  be  glad  in  its  king. 
The  God,  whom  we  worship,  our  songs  will  attend, 
And  view  with  complacence  the  off' ring  we  bring. 

3  Be  joyful,  ye  saints,  sustain' d  by  his  might, 

And  let  your  glad  songs  awake  with  each  morn  : 
For  those  who  obey  him,  are  still  his  delight ; 
His  hand  with  salvation  the  meek  will  adorn. 

4  Then  praise  ye  the  Lord  !  prepare  a  glad  song ; 

And  let  all  his  saints  in  full  concert  join : 
With  voices  united,  the  anthem  prolong, 

And  shew  forth  his  praises  with  music  divine. 

Hymn  9.  p.  m. 

1  rilO  your  Creator  God, 

I    Your  great  Preserver,  raise, 
Ye  creatures  of  his  hand, 
Your  highest  notes  of  praise. 
Let  ev'ry  voice 
Proclaim  his  pow'r, 
His  name  adore, 
And  loud  rejoice. 

2  Thou  source  of  light  and  heat, 

Bright  so v' reign  of  the  day, 

Dispensing  blessings  round, 

With  all-diffusive  ray; 

From  morn  to  night, 

With  ev'ry  beam, 

Record  his  name, 

Who  made  thee  bright. 

3  Fair  regent  of  the  night, 

With  all  thy  starry  train, 
Which  rise  in  silent  hosts, 
To  gild  the  azure  plain ; 
With  countless  rays 
Declare  his  name, 


THANKSGIVING. 

Prolong  the  theme, 
Reflect  his  praise. 

4  Let  all  the  creatures  join 

To  celebrate  his  name, 
And  all  their  various  pow'rs 
Assist  th'  exalted  theme. 
Let  nature  raise 
From  ev"ry  tongue 
A  gen'ral  song 
Of  grateful  praise. 

5  But,  oh  !  from  human  tongues 

Should  nobler  praises  flow ; 
And  ev'ry  thankful  heart 
With  warm  devotion  glow. 
Your  voices  raise, 
Ye  highly  blest 
Above  the  rest; 
Declare  his  praise. 

Hymn  10.  p.  m.  7s. 

1  fi  LORY  be  to  God  on  high, 
vH~  God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky; 
Peace  on  earth  to  man  forgiv'n, 
Man,  the  well  belov'd  of  heav'n. 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high, 
God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky. 

2  Favour' d  mortals,  raise  the  song; 
Endless  thanks  to  God  belong; 
Hearts  o'erflowing  with  his  praise, 
Join  the  hymns  your  voices  raise  : 

Glory  be,  &c. 

3  Call  the  tribes  of  beings  round, 
From  creation's  utmost  bound  ; 
Where  the  Godhead  shines  confess' d, 
There  be  solemn  praise  address' d  : 

Glory  be,  &c. 
2 


PRAISE    AND 

4  Mark  the  wonders  of  his  hand ! 
Pow'r,  no  empire  can  withstand  ; 
Wisdom,  angels'  glorious  theme ; 
Goodness,  one  eternal  stream  : 

Glory  be,  &c. 

5  Awful  Being !  from  thy  throne 
Send  thy  promis'd  blessings  down. 
Let  thy  light,  thy  truth,  thy  peace, 
Bid  our  raging  passions  cease  : 

Glory  be,  &c. 

Hymn  11.  s.  m. 

1  /^1 OME,  sound  his  praise  abroad, 
\y  And  hymns  of  glory  sing  ! 
Jehovah  is  the  Sov' reign  God, 

The  universal  King. 

2  He  form'd  the  deeps  unknown; 

He  gave  the  seas  their  bound ; 
The  wat'ry  worlds  are  all  his  own, 
And  all  the  solid  ground. 

3  Come,  worship  at  his  throne ; 

Come,  bow  before  the  Lord. 
We  are  his  works  and  not  our  own  j 
He  form'd  us  by  his  word. 

4  To  day  attend  his  voice, 

Nor  dare  provoke  his  rod ; 
Come,  like  the  people  of  his  choice, 
And  own  your  gracious  God ! 

Hymn  12.  p.  m.  7s. 

1  TTOLY,  holy,  holy  Lord  ! 
JlX  Be  thy  glorious  name  ador'd. 
Lord,  thy  mercies  never  fail : 
Hail,  celestial  Goodness,  hail ! 


THANKSGIVING. 

2  Though  unworthy,  Lord,  thine  ear, 
Deign  our  humble  songs  to  hear. 
Purer  praise  we  hope  to  bring, 
When  around  thy  throne  we  sing. 

3  There  no  tongue  shall  silent  be ; 
All  shall  join  in  harmony ; 

That  through  heav'n's  capacious  round 
Praise  to  thee  may  ever  sound. 

4  Lord,  thy  mercies  never  fail : 
Hail,  celestial  Goodness,  hail ! 
Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord  ! 

Be  thy  glorious  name  ador'd. 

Hymn  13.  p.  m.  ss  &  es. 

1  T3EGIN,  my  soul,  th'  exalted  lay  ; 
JL3  Let  each  enraptur'd  thought  obey, 

And  praise  th'  almighty  name. 
Let  heav'n  and  earth,  and  seas,  and  skies, 
In  one  harmonious  concert  rise, 

To  swell  the  glorious  theme. 

2  Ye  angels,  catch  the  joyful  sound, 
While  all  th'  adoring  throngs  around 

His  wondrous  mercy  sing. 
Let  all  who  fill  the  realms  above, 
Awake  the  tuneful  soul  of  love, 

And  touch  the  sweetest  string. 

3  Thou  heav'n  of  heav'ns,  his  vast  abode, 
Ye  clouds,  proclaim  your  Maker,  God ; 

Ye  thunders,  speak  his  pow'r. 
Lo  !  on  the  lightning's  gleamy  wing, 
In  triumph  rides  th'  eternal  King ; 

Th'  astonish' d  worlds  adore. 

4  Ye  deeps,  whose  roaring  billows  rise 
To  join  the  thunders  of  the  skies, 

Praise  him  who  bids  you  roll 


10  PRAISE    AND 

His  praise  in  softer  notes  declare, 
Each  whisp'ring  breeze  of  yielding  air, 
And  breathe  it  to  the  soul. 

5  Wake,  all  ye  feather' d  throngs,  and  sing ; 
Ye  cheerful  warblers  of  the  spring, 

Harmonious  anthems  raise 
To  him,  who  shap'd  your  finer  mould, 
Who  tippd  your  glitt'ring  wings  with  gold, 

And  tun'd  your  voice  to  praise. 

6  Let  man,  by  nobler  passions  sway'd, 
The  feeling  heart,  the  judging  head, 

In  heav'nly  praise  employ  : 
Spread  the  Creator's  name  around, 
Till  heav'n's  extended  arch  rebound 

The  gen'ral  burst  of  joy. 

Hymn  14.  c.  m. 

1  XNDULGENT  Father  !  how  divine, 
_I_  How  bright  thy  bounties  are  ! 
Through  nature's  ample  round  they  shine, 

Thy  goodness  to  declare. 

2  But  in  the  nobler  work  of  grace, 

What  sweeter  mercy  smiles 
In  my  benign  Redeemer's  face, 
And  ev'ry  fear  beguiles  ! 

3  Such  wonders,  Lord,  while  I  survey, 

To  thee  my  thanks  shall  rise, 
When  morning  ushers  in  the  day, 
Or  ev'ning  veils  the  skies. 

4  When  glimm'ring  life  resigns  its  flame. 

Thy  praise  shall  tune  my  breath. 
The  sweet  remembrance  of  thy  name 
Shall  gild  the  shades  of  death. 

5  But,  oh  !  how  blest  my  song  shall  rise, 

When  free'd  from  feeble  clay, 


THANKSGIVING.  11 

And  all  thy  glories  meet  mine  eyes 
In  one  eternal  day. 

6  Not  seraphs,  who  resound  thy  name 
Through  yon  ethereal  plains, 
Shall  glow  with  a  diviner  flame, 
Or  raise  sublimer  strains. 

Hymn  15.  p.  m.  :s. 

1  fi  LORY  be  to  God  on  high, 
vJ~  God,  whose  glory  fills  the  sky ! 
Lift  your  voice,  ye  people  all, 
Praise  the  God,  on  whom  ye  call. 

2  God  his  so v' reign  sway  maintains; 
King  o'er  all  the  earth  he  reigns. 
All  to  him  lift  up  their  eye ; 

He  does  ev'ry  want  supply. 

3  Sons  of  earth,  the  triumph  join, 
Praise  him  with  the  host  divine. 
Emulate  the  heav'nly  pow'rs; 
Their  all-gracious  God  is  ours. 

4  Happy,  who  his  laws  obey  ! 
Them  he  rules  with  mildest  sway. 
Pure  and  holy  hearts  alone 

He  hath  chosen  for  his  own. 

5  Him,  whose  joy  is  to  restore, 
Him  let  all  our  hearts  adore ; 
Earth  and  heavn  repeat  the  cry, 
Glory  be  to  God  on  high  ! 

Hymn  16.  l.  m. 

1   TTIGH  in  the  heav'ns,  eternal  God  ! 
JL  A  Thy  goodness  in  full  glory  shines. 
Thy  truth  shall  break  through  ev'ry  cloud, 
That  veils  and  darkens  thy  designs. 
2* 


12  PRAISE    AND 

2  For  ever  firm  thy  justice  stands, 

As  mountains  their  foundations  keep. 
Wise  are  the  wonders  of  thy  hands ; 
Thy  judgments  are  a  mighty  deep. 

3  Thy  providence  is  kind  and  large  ; 

Both  man  and  beast  thy  bounty  share  : 
The  whole  creation  is  thy  charge  ; 
But  saints  are  thy  peculiar  care. 

4  My  God  !  how  excellent  thy  grace, 

Whence  all  our  hope  and  comfort  springs  ! 
The  sons  of  Adam  in  distress 
Fly  to  the  shadow  of  thy  wings. 

5  From  the  provisions  of  thy  house, 

We  shall  be  fed  with  sweet  repast. 
There  mercy  like  a  river  flows, 
And  brings  salvation  to  our  taste. 

6  Life,  like  a  fountain  rich  and  free, 

Springs  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord ; 
And  in  his  light  our  souls  shall  see 
The  glories  promis'd  in  his  word. 

Hymn  17.  c.  m. 

1  X    ONG  as  I  live,  I'll  bless  thy  name, 

I   k   God  of  eternal  love  ! 
My  work  and  joy  shall  be  the  same, 
In  the  bright  world  above. 

2  Great  is  the  Lord,  his  pow'r  unknown, 

And  let  his  praise  be  great : 

I'll  sing  the  honours  of  thy  throne, 

Thy  works  of  grace  repeat. 

3  Thy  grace  shall  dwell  upon  my  tongue ; 

And,  while  my  lips  rejoice, 
The  men  that  hear  my  sacred  song 
Shall  join  their  cheerful  voice, 


THANKSGIVING.  13 

4  Fathers  to  sons  shall  teach  thy  name, 

And  children  learn  thy  ways ; 
Ages  to  come  thy  truth  proclaim, 
And  nations  sound  thy  praise. 

5  Thy  glorious  deeds  of  ancient  date 

Shall  through  the  world  be  known : 
Thine  arm  of  pow'r,  thy  heav'nly  state, 
With  public  splendour  shown. 

6  The  world  is  manag'd  by  thy  hands, 

Thy  saints  are  ruld  by  love  ; 
And  thine  eternal  kingdom  stands, 
Though  rocks  and  hills  remove. 

Hymn  18.  p.m.  ss&6s. 

1  "V^E  works  of  God  !  on  him  alone, 

X    His  footstool  earth,  high  heav'n  his  throne, 
.Be  all  your  praise  bestow'd. 
His  hand  the  beauteous  fabric  made, 
His  eye  the  fmish'd  work  survey'd,  ' 
And  saw  that  all  was  good. 

2  Ye  sons  of  men  !  his  praise  display, 
Who  stamp' d  his  image  on  your  clay, 

And  gave  it  pow'r  to  move. 
Where'er  ye  go,  where'er  ye  dwell, 
From  age  to  age  successive  tell 

The  wonders  of  his  love. 

3  Ye  spirits  of  the  just  and  good  ! 
Who,  panting  for  that  blest  abode, 

To  heav'n's  bright  mansions  soar : 
O  let  your  songs  his  praise  display, 
Till  nature's  self  shall  waste  away, 

And  time  shall  be  no  more. 

4  wuiSC  him'  ye  meek  and  humble  train  ! 
Who  shall  those  heav'nly  joys  obtain, 

rrepar'd  for  souls  sincere. 


14  PRAISE    AND 

Now  praise  him  till  you  take  your  way 
To  regions  of  eternal  day, 
To  dwell  for  ever  there. 

Hymn  19.  p.  m. 

1  "1%/TY  soul,  praise  the  Lord, 
JLT JL  Speak  good  of  his  name  ! 
His  mercies  record, 

His  bounties  proclaim. 
To  God,  their  Creator, 

Let  all  creatures  raise 
The  song  of  thanksgiving, 

The  chorus  of  praise  ! 

2  Though,  hid  from  man's  sight, 

God  sits  on  his  throne, 
Yet  here  by  his  works 

Their  Author  is  known. 
The  world  shines  a  mirror 

Its  Maker  to  show ; 
And  heav'n  views  its  image 

Reflected  below. 

3  By  knowledge  supreme, 

By  wisdom  divine, 
God  governs  this  earth 

With  gracious  design. 
O'er  beast,  bird,  and  insect, 

His  providence  reigns, 
Whose  will  first  created, 

Whose  love  still  sustains. 

4  And  man,  his  last  work, 

With  reason  endu'd, 
Who,  falling  through  sin, 

By  grace  is  renew' d  :— 
To  God,  his  Creator, 

Let  man  ever  raise 
The  song  of  thanksgiving, 

The  chorus  of  praise  I 


THANKSGIVING.  15 

Hymn  20.  p.  m.   m. 

1  r  ■  1  hou  pow'  r  supremely  whose  command  we  live! 

JL     The  grateful  tribute  of  our  praise  receive  : 
To  thy  indulgence  we  our  being  owe, 
And  all  the  joys  which  from  that  being  flow. 

2  Thy  skill  our  elemental  clay  refin'd ; 
And  all  its  various  parts  in  order  join'd  ; 
With  perfect  symmetry  compos' d  the  whole, 
And  stamp' d  thy  sacred  image  on  the  soul : 

3  A  soul,  susceptible  of  endless  joy, 

Whose  frame  nor  force,  nor  time,  shall  e'er  destroy; 
Which  shall  survive,  tho'  nature  claim  our  breath, 
And  bid  defiance  to  the  darts  of  death. 

4  How  shall  our  hearts  their  grateful  sense  reveal, 
When  all  the  energy  of  words  must  fail  ? 

O  may  its  influence  in  our  lives  appear, 
And  ev'ry  action  prove  our  thanks  sincere. 


Hymn  21.  s. 


M. 


1  "TVT  Y  Maker  and  my  King  ! 
_L? JL  To  thee  my  all  I  owe. 
Thy  sov' reign  bounty  is  the  spring, 

From  whence  my  blessings  flow. 

2  Thou  ever  good  and  kind  ! 

A  thousand  reasons  move, 

A  thousand  obligations  bind 

My  heart  to  grateful  love. 

3  The  creature  of  thy  hand, 

On  thee  alone  I  live. 
My  God  !  thy  benefits  demand 
More  praise  than  tongue  can  give. 

4  0  what  can  I  impart, 

When  all  was  thine  before  ? 


16  PRAISE    AND 

Thy  love  demands  a  thankful  heart : 
The  gift,  alas  !  how  poor  ! 

5  Shall  I  withhold  thy  due  ? 

And  shall  my  passions  rove  ? 
Lord,  make  me  to  thy  service  true, 
And  fill  me  with  thy  love. 

6  O  let  thy  grace  inspire 

My  soul  with  strength  divine ; 
Let  all  my  pow'rs  to  thee  aspire, 
And  all  my  days  be  thine. 

Hymn  22.  s.  m. 

1  |^  BLESS  the  Lord,  my  soul ! 
\-J  Let  all  within  me  join, 

And  aid  my  tongue  to  bless  his  name, 
Whose  favours  are  divine. 

2  O  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul ! 

Nor  let  his  mercies  lie 
Forgotten  in  unthankfulness, 
And  without  praises  die. 

3  'Tis  he  forgives  thy  sins; 

'Tis  he  relieves  thy  pain; 
'Tis  he  that  heals  thy  sicknesses, 
And  gives  thee  strength  again. 

4  He  crowns  thy  life  with  love, 

When  rescu'd  from  the  grave ; 
He,  that  redeem' d  our  souls  from  death, 
Hath  boundless  pow'r  to  save. 

5  He  fills  the  poor  with  good ; 

He  gives  the  suff'rers  rest. 
The  Lord  hath  justice  for  the  proud, 
And  mercy  for  th'  oppress' d. 

6  His  wondrous  works  and  ways 

He  made  by  Moses  known ; 


THANKSGIVING.  17 

But  sent  the  world  his  truth  and  grace 
By  his  beloved  Son. 

Hymn  23.  l.  m. 

1   ^1  REAT  source  of  life,  our  souls  confess 
VJT  The  various  riches  of  thy  grace  ; 
Crown' d  with  thy  mercy,  we  rejoice, 
And  in  thy  praise  exalt'our  voice. 

2  By  thee  the  vault  of  heav'n  was  spread  ; 
By  thee  the  earth's  foundations  laid; 
And  all  the  scenes  of  man's  abode 
Proclaim  a  wise  and  gracious  God. 

3  Thy  quickening  hand  restores  our  breath, 
When  trembling  on  the  verge  of  death; 
Gently  it  wipes  away  our  tears, 

And  lengthens  life  to  future  years. 

4  Our  lives  are  sacred  to  the  Lord, 
Kindled  by  him,  by  him  restor'd; 
And,  while  our  hours  renew  their  race, 
May  sin  no  more  these  hours  disgrace ! 

5  So  when,  at  length,  by  thee  we're  led 
Through  unknown  regions  of  the  dead, 
With  hope  triumphant  may  we  move 
To  scenes  of  nobler  life  above. 

Hymn  24.  lm. 

1  TN  glad  amazement,  Lord,  I  stand, 
J-  Amidst  the  bounties  of  thy  hand. 
How  numberless  those  bounties  are ! 
How  rich,  how  various,  and  how  fair ! 

2  But,  O  !  what  poor  returns  I  make  ! 
What  lifeless  thanks  I  pay  thee  back ! 
Lord  !  I  confess  with  humble  shame, 
My  off' rings  scarce  deserve  the  name. 


18  PRAISE    AND 

3  Fain  would  my  lab' ring  heart  devise 
To  bring  some  nobler  sacrifice. 

It  sinks  beneath  the  mighty  load : 
What  shall  I  render  to  my  God  ? 

4  To  him  I  consecrate  my  praise, 
And  vow  the  remnant  of  my  days. 
Yet,  what,  at  best,  can  I  pretend, 
Worthy  such  gifts  from  such  a  friend  ? 

5  In  deep  abasement,  Lord,  I  see, 
My  emptiness  and  poverty. 
Enrich  my  soul  with  grace  divine, 
And  make  me  worthier  to  be  thine. 

6  Give  me  at  length  an  angel's  tongue, 
That  heav'n  may  echo  with  my  song. 
The  theme,  too  great  for  time,  shall  be 
The  joy  of  long  eternity. 

Hymn  25.  s.  m. 

1  |^K   LORD,  our  heav'nly  King ! 
V_^   Thy  name  is  all  divine. 

Thy  glories  round  the  earth  are  spread, 
And  o'er  the  heav'ns  they  shine. 

2  When  to  thy  works  above 

I  raise  my  wond'ring  eyes, 
And  see  the  moon  thy  hands  have  form'd 
In  all  her  splendour  rise  : 

3  When  I  survey  the  stars, 

That  fill  the  vaulted  sky  : — 
Lord,  what  is  man,  that  he  should  stand 
In  thy  regard  so  high  1 

4  Or  what  the  son  of  man, 

That  he  should  be  thy  care, 
And  in  the  bounties  of  thy  grace 
Possess  so  large  a  share  ? 


THANKSGIVING.  19 

5  Though  offspring  of  the  dust, 

(How  vast  the  debt  we  owe  !) 
Next  to  thine  angels  are  we  plac:d, 
And  lords  of  all  below. 

6  Appointed  for  our  use, 

The  subject  beasts  obey, 
And  birds  that  cut  the  air  with  wings, 
And  fish  that  cleave  the  sea. 

?  How  rich  thy  favours  are  ! 

How  wondrous  are  thy  ways  ! 
Of  dust  and  worms  thy  pow*r  can  frame, 
A  monument  of  praise. 

Hymn  26.  cm. 

1      4   LMIGHTY  Father!  Gracious  Lord ! 
j\-  Kind  Guardian  of  my  days  ! 
Thy  mercies  let  my  heart  record 
In  songs  of  grateful  praise. 

'Z  In  life's  first  dawn,  my  tender  frame 
Was  thy  indulgent  care, 
Long  ere  I  could  pronounce  thy  name, 
Or  breathe  the  infant  pray'r. 

3  When  reason  with  my  stature  grew, 

How  weak  her  brightest  ray  ! 
How  little  of  my  God  I  knew  ! 
How  apt  from  thee  to  stray  ! 

4  Around  my  path  what  dangers  rose ! 

What  snares  o;erspread  my  road  ! 
Xo  pow'r  could  guard  me  from  my  foes, 
But  my  Preserver,  God. 

5  When  life  hung  trembling  on  a  breath, 

:Twas  thy  unceasing  love 
That  sav'd  me  from  impending  death, 
And  bade  my  fears  remove. 
3 


20  PRAISE    AND 

6  Lord,  though  this  mortal  frame  decays, 

And  earthly  comfort  flies; 
Complete  the  wonders  of  thy  grace, 
And  raise  me  to  the  skies. 

7  Then  shall  my  joyful  pow'rs  unite 

In  more  exalted  lays, 
And  join  the  happy  sons  of  light 
In  everlasting  praise. 

Hymn  27.  c,  m. 

1  "1%/TY  God,  what  blessings  round  me  shone, 
_LtJL  Where'er  I  turn'd  mine  eye ! 

How  many  pass'd,  almost  unknown, 
Or  unregarded,  by ! 

2  Each  rolling  year  new  favours  brought 

From  thine  exhaustless  store. 
But,  ah!  in  vain  my  lab' ring  thought 
Would  count  thy  mercies  o'er. 

3  While  sweet  reflection,  through  my  days, 

Thy  bounteous  hand  would  trace; 
Still  dearer  blessings  claim  my  praise, 
The  blessings  of  thy  grace. 

4  Yes,  I  adore  thee,  gracious  Lord ! 

For  favours  more  divine; 
That  I  have  known  thy  sacred  word, 
Where  all  thy  glories  shine. 

5  My  highest  praise,  alas,  how  poor ! 

How  cold  my  warmest  love ! 
My  Father !  teach  me  to  adore 
As  angels  do  above. 


Hymn  28.  c.  m. 

all  thy  mercies,  O 
My  rising  soul  surveys : 


1  XT7"HEN  all  thy  mercies,  O  my  God! 


THANKSGIVING.  21 

Transported  with  the  view,  I'm  lost 
In  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 

2  O  how  shall  words  with  equal  warmth 

The  gratitude  declare, 
That  glows  within  my  ravish' d  heart ! 
But  thou  canst  read  it  there. 

3  Thy  providence  my  life  sustain' d, 

And  all  my  wants  redress' d, 
When  in  the  silent  womb  I  lay 
Or  hung  upon  the  breast. 

4  To  all  my  weak  complaints  and  cries 

Thy  mercy  lent  an  ear, 
Ere  yet  my  feeble  thoughts  had  learnt 
To  form  themselves  in  pray'r. 

5  Unnumber'd  comforts  on  my  soul 

Thy  tender  care  bestow' d, 
Before  my  infant  heart  conceiv'd, 
From  whom  those  comforts  flow'd. 

6  When  in  the  slipp'ry  paths  of  youth, 

With  heedless  steps,  I  ran ; 
Thine  arm,  unseen,  convey' d  me  safe, 
And  led  me  up  to  man. 

7  Through  hidden  dangers,  toils,  and  deaths, 

It  gently  clear' d  my  way ; 
And  through  the  pleasing  snares  of  vice, 
More  to  be  fear'd  than  they. 

8  When  worn  with  sickness,  oft  hast  thou 

With  health  renew' d  my  face ; 
And,  when  in  sins  and  sorrows  sunk, 
Reviv'd  my  soul  with  grace. 

9  Thy  bounteous  hand  with  worldly  bliss 

Hath  made  my  cup  run  o'er, 

And  in  a  kind  and  faithful  friend, 

Hath  doubled  all  my  store. 


22  CHARACTER    AND 

10  Ten  thousand  thousand  precious  gifts 

My  daily  thanks  employ ; 
Nor  is  the  least  a  cheerful  heart 
Which  tastes  those  gifts  with  joy. 

11  Through  ev'ry  period  of  my  life 

Thy  goodness  I'll  pursue; 
And,  after  death,  in  distant  worlds, 
The  glorious  theme  renew. 

12  When  nature  fails,  and  day  and  night 

Divide  thy  works  no  more ; 
My  ever  grateful  heart,  O  Lord ! 
Thy  mercy,  shall  adore. 

13  Through  all  eternity  to  thee 

A  joyful  song  I'll  raise  : — 
But,  oh  !  eternity's  too  short 
To  utter  all  thy  praise. 


II. 

CHARACTER  AND  PERFECTIONS  OF  GOD. 


Hymn  29.  l.  m. 

God    incomprehensible. 

1  /^i  REAT  God,  in  vain  man's  narrow  view 
vT  Attempts  to  look  thy  nature  through. 
Our  lab' ring  pow'rs  with  rev'rence  own, 
Thy  glories  never  can  be  known. 

2  Not  the  high  seraph's  mighty  thought, 
Who  countless  years  his  God  has  sought, 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  23 

Such  wondrous  height  or  depth  can  find, 
Or  fully  trace  thy  boundless  mind. 

3  Yet,  Lord,  thy  kindness  deigns  to  show 
Enough  for  mortal  men  to  know ; 
"While  wisdom,  goodness,  pow'r  divine 
Through  all  thy  works  and  conduct  shine. 

4  O  !  may  our  souls  with  rapture  trace 
Thy  works  of  nature  and  of  grace, 
Explore  thy  sacred  truth,  and  still 
Press  on  to  know  and  do  thy  will ! 


Y 


Hymn  30.  l.  m. 

The  Majesty  of  God. 

E  weak  inhabitants  of  clay, 
Ye  trifling  insects  of  a  day, 
Low  in  your  native  dust  bow  down 
Before  th'  Eternal's  awful  throne. 

2  Let  Lebanon  her  cedars  bring, 

To  blaze  before  the  sov' reign  King; 
And  all  the  beasts,  that  on  it  feed, 
As  victims  at  his  altar  bleed. 

3  Loud  let  ten  thousand  trumpets  sound, 
And  call  remotest  nations  round, 
Assembled  on  the  crowded  plains, 
Princes  and  people,  kings  and  swains. 

4  Join'd  with  the  living,  let  the  dead, 
Rising,  the  face  of  earth  o'erspread; 
And,  while  his  praise  unites  their  tongues, 
Let  angels  echo  back  the  songs. 

5  The  drop  that  from  the  bucket  falls, 
The  dust  that  hangs  upon  the  scales, 
Is  more  to  sky  and  earth  and  sea, 
Than  all  this  pomp,  great  God !  to  thee. 

3* 


24  character  and 

Hymn  31.  l.  m. 

1  *",£/rE  sons  of  men,  in  sacred  lays, 

JL    Attempt  the  great  Creator's  praise : 
But  who  an  equal  song  can  frame  ? 
What  verse  can  reach  the  lofty  theme  ? 

2  He  sits  enthron'd  amidst  the  spheres, 
And  glory  like  a  garment  wears : 

While  boundless  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  grace, 
Command  our  awe,  transcend  our  praise. 

3  Before  his  throne  a  shining  band 
Of  cherubs  and  of  seraphs  stand ; 
Ethereal  spirits,  who  in  flight 
Outstrip  the  rapid  speed  of  light. 

4  To  God  all  nature  owes  its  birth, 

He  form'd  this  pond'rous  globe  of  earth. 
He  rais'd  the  glorious  arch  on  high, 
And  measur'd  out  the  azure  sky. 

5  In  all  our  Maker's  grand  designs, 
Omnipotence  with  wisdom  shines. 

His  works,  through  all  this  wondrous  frame. 
Bear  the  great  impress  of  his  name. 

6  Rais'd  on  devotion's  lofty  wing, 
Let  us  his  high  perfections  sing : 

O  let  his  praise  employ  our  tongue, 
Whilst  list'ning  worlds  applaud  the  song ! 

Hymn  32.  c.  m. 

God  eternal  and  unchangeable. 

1  ^i  REAT  God,  how  infinite  art  thou  ! 
V3T  How  frail  and  weak  are  we  ! 

Let  the  whole  race  of  creatures  bow, 
And  pay  their  praise  to  thee. 

2  Thy  throne  eternal  ages  stood, 

Ere  earth  or  heav'n  was  made; 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  25 

Thou  art  the  ever-living  God, 
W  ere  all  the  nations  dead. 

3  Nature  and  time  all  open  lie 

To  thine  immense  survey, 
From  the  formation  of  the  sky, 
To  the  last  awful  day. 

4  Eternity,  with  all  its  years, 

Stands  present  to  thy  view. 
To  thee  there's  nothing  old  appears; 
Great  God  !  there's  nothing  new. 

5  Our  lives  through  various  scenes  are  drawn, 

And  vex'd  with  trifling  cares: 
While  thine  eternal  thought  moves  on 
Thine  undisturb:d  affairs. 

6  Great  God,  how  infinite  art  thou ! 

How  frail  and  weak  are  we ! 
Let  the  whole  race  of  creatures  bow, 
And  pay  their  praise  to  thee. 


Hymn  33.  l.  m. 

1  \  LL-POW'RFUL,  self-existent  God, 
-ljL  Who  all  creation  dost  sustain  ! 
Thou  wast,  and  art,  and  art  to  come  ; 

And  everlasting  is  thy  reign. 

2  Fix'd  and  eternal  as  thy  days, 

Each  glorious  attribute  divine, 
Through  ages  infinite,  shall  still 
With  undiminish'd  lustre  shine. 

3  Fountain  of  being !  source  of  good ! 

Immutable  dost  thou  remain ; 
Not  can  the  shadow  of  a  change 
Obscure  the  glories  of  thy  reign. 


26  CHARACTER    AND 

4  Nature  her  order  shall  reverse, 

Revolving  seasons  cease  their  round; 

Nor  spring  appear  with  blooming  pride, 

Nor  autumn  be  with  plenty  crown' d: 

6  Yon  shining  orbs  forget  their  course ; 
The  sun  his  destin'd  path  forsake; 
And  burning  desolation  mark 

Amid  the  world  his  wand' ring  track: 

6  Earth  may  with  all  her  pow'rs  dissolve, 
If  such  the  great  Creator's  will : 
But  thou  for  ever  art  the  same. 
"I  am"  is  thy  memorial  still. 

Hymn  34.  l.  m. 

God  almighty. 

1  /^i  IVE  to  the  Lord,  ye  sons  of  fame, 
\J~  Give  to  the  Lord  renown  and  pow'r; 
Ascribe  due  honours  to  his  name, 

And  his  eternal  might  adore. 

2  The  Lord  proclaims  his  pow'r  aloud, 

O'er  the  vast  ocean  and  the  land; 
His  voice  divides  the  wat'ry  cloud, 
And  lightnings  blaze  at  his  command* 

3  He  speaks,  and  howling  tempests  rise, 

And  lay  the  forest  bare  around; 

The  fiercest  beasts,  with  piteous  cries, 

Confess  the  terror  of  the  sound. 

4  His  thunders  rend  the  vaulted  skies, 

And  palaces  and  temples  shake. 
The  mountains  tremble  at  the  noise, 
The  valleys  roar,  the  deserts  quake. 

5  The  Lord  sits  sov: reign  o'er  the  flood; 

The  Thund'rer  reigns  for  ever  King; 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  27 

But  makes  his  church  his  blest  abode, 
Where  we  his  awful  glories  sing. 

We  see  no  terrors  in  his  name, 

But  in  our  God  a  Father  find. 
The  voice,  that  shakes  all  nature's  frame, 

Speaks  comfort  to  the  pious  mind. 

Hymn  35.  c.  m. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  thy]    ./rful  word 
From  nothing  all  things  brought ; 
Earth,  seas,  and  skies,  by  thee  their  Lord, 
With  skill  divine  were  wrought. 

Thy  pleasure  heav'nly  hosts  fulfil ; 

For  thee  each  planet  rolls : 
Earth,  sun,  and  stars  perform  thy  will ; 

Thy  nod  the  world  controls. 

Thou  over  all  art  Lord  supreme ; 

All  else  from  thee  derive. 
No  being  can  dispute  thy  claim, 

Or  independent  live. 

To  thee,  our  Lord,  we  therefore  bow ; 

To  thee,  our  all  resign. 
Entire  to  thee  ourselves  we  vow, 

For  we  are  whollv  thine. 


i  ?nn 


Hymn  36.  c.  m. 

WAS  God  who  hurld  the  rolliLg  spheres, 
And  stretch' d  the  boundless  skies; 
Who  formed  the  plan  of  endless  years, 
And  bade  the  ages  rise. 

From  everlasting  is  his  might, 

Immense  and  unconfin'd  : 
He  pierces  through  the  realms  of  light, 

And  rides  upon  the  wind. 


28  CHARACTER    AND 

3  He  darts  along  the  burning  skies  ; 

Loud  thunders  round  him  roar : 
All  heav'n  attends  him,  as  he  flies ; 
All  hell  proclaims  his  pow'r. 

4  He  scatters  nations  with  his  breath ; 

The  scatter' d  nations  fly: 
Blue  pestilence  and  wasting  death 
Confess  the  Godhead  nigh. 

5  Ye  worlds,  with  ev'ry  living  thing, 

Fulfil  his  high  command  : 
Mortals,  pay  homage  to  your  King, 
And  own  his  ruling  hand. 

Hymn  37.  l.  m. 

God  omnipresent  and  omniscient. 

1  T"    ORD,  thou  hast  search' d  and  seen  me  through ; 
.1   i   Thine  eye  commands  with  piercing  view, 
My  rising  and  my  resting  hours, 

My  heart  and  flesh,  with  all  their  pow'rs. 

2  Could  I  so  false,  so  faithless  prove, 
To  quit  thy  service  and  thy  love ; 
Where,  Lord,  could  I  thy  presence  shun, 
Or  from  thy  dreadful  glory  run  ? 

3  If,  mounted  on  a  morning  ray, 
I  fly  beyond  the  western  sea ; 

Thy  swifter  hand  would  first  arrive, 
And  there  arrest  thy  fugitive. 

4  Or  should  I  try  to  shun  thy  sight 
Beneath  the  spreading  veil  of  night : 
One  glance  of  thine,  one  piercing  ray 
Would  kindle  darkness  into  day. 

B  The  veil  of  night  is  no  disguise, 

No  screen  from  thine  all-searching  eyes. 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  29 

Thv  hand  can  seize  thy  foes  as  soon 
Through  midnight  shades,  as  blazing  noon. 

6  O  may  these  thoughts  possess  my  breast, 
Where'er  I  rove,  where'er  I  rest! 
Nor  let  my  weaker  pass;ons  dare 
Consent  to  sin,  for  God  is  there. 

Hymn  38.  c.  m. 

1  ~|~    ORD,  all  I  am  is  known  to  thee ! 

I   k    In  vain  my  soul  would  try 
To  shun  thy  presence,  or  to  flee 
The  notice  of  thine  eye. 

2  Thy  all-surrounding  sight  surveys 

M}-  rising  and  my  rest, 
My  public  walks,  my  private  ways, 
And  secrets  of  my  breast. 

3  My  thoughts  lie  open  to  thee,  Lord, 

Before  they're  form'd  within; 
And  ere  my  lips  pronounce  the  word, 
Thou  know'st  the  sense  I  mean. 

4  O  wondrous  knowledge,  deep  and  high ! 

Where  can  a  creature  hide  ? 
Within  thy  circling  arms  I  lie, 
Beset  on  ev'ry  side. 

5  So  let  thy  grace  surround  me  still, 

And  like  a  bulwark  prove, 
To  guard  my  soul  from  ev'ry  ill, 
Securd  by  so v'  reign  love. 

Hymn  39.  s.  M. 

1   1VTY  heart  and  ways.  O  God ! 
-LTJL  By  thee  are  search' d  and  seen; 
My  outward  acts  thine  eye  observes, 
My  secret  thoughts  within. 


30  CHARACTER    AND 

2  No  spot  the  realms  of  space. 

Whence  thou,  art  absent,  know. 
In  heav'n  thou  reign' st  a  glorious  King, 
A  righteous  Judge  below. 

3  Lord!  if  within  my  heart 

Thou  aught  should' st  disapprove: 
The  secret  evil  bring  to  light, 
And  by  thy  grace  remove. 

4  If  e'er  I've  been  pre  verse 

Or  foolish  in  thy  view : 
Recall  my  steps  to  thy  commands, 
And  form  my  life  anew. 

Hymn  40.  cm. 

1  fTlO  thee,  my  God!  my  days  are  known; 

_I_     My  soul  enjoys  the  thought. 
My  actions  all  before  thee  lie, 
Nor  are  my  wants  forgot. 

2  Each  secret  wish  devotion  breathes, 

Is  vocal  to  thine  ear; 
And  all  my  walks  of  daily  life 
Before  thine  eye  appear. 

3  The  vacant  hour,  the  active  scene, 

Thy  mercy  shall  approve ; 
And  ev'ry  pang  of  sympathy, 
And  ev'ry  care  of  love. 

4  Each  golden  hour  of  beaming  light 

Is  gilded  by  thy  rays; 
And  dark  affliction's  midnight  gloom 
A  present  God  surveys. 

5  Full  in  thy  view  through  life  I  pass, 

And  in  thy  view  I  die. 
Lord !  when  all  mortal  bonds  shall  break, 
May  I  still  find  thee  nigh. 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  31 

Hymn  41.  c.  m. 

Gods   Wisdom. 

1  m  ONGS  of  immortal  praise  belong 
O   To  my  almighty  God : 

He  hath  my  heart,  and  he  my  tongue, 
To  spread  his  name  abroad. 

2  How  great  the  works  his  hand  hath  wrought ! 

How  glorious  in  our  sight ! 
And  men  in  ev;ry  age  have  sought 
His  wonders  with  delight. 

3  How  most  exact  is  nature's  frame ! 

How  wise  th'  eternal  mind ! 
His  counsels  never  change  the  scheme, 
That  his  first  thoughts  design' d. 

4  When  he  redeem'd  the  sons  of  men, 

He  fix'd  his  cov'nant  sure: 
The  orders,  that  his  lips  pronounce, 
To  endless  years  endure. 

5  Nature,  and  time,  and  earth,  and  skies, 

Ihy  heav'nly  skill  proclaim. 
What  shall  we  do  to  make  us  wise, 
But  learn  to  read  thy  name? 

6  To  fear  thy  pow'r,  to  trust  thy  grace 

Is  our  divinest  skill; 
And  he's  the  wisest  of  our  race, 
Who  best  obeys  thy  will. 

Hymn  42.  c.  m. 

1  WHa?N  l  with  curious  eyes  survey 
▼  f      My  complicated  frame, 
1  read  on  ev'ry  part  inscrib'd 
My  great  Creator's  name. 
4 


32  CHARACTER    AND 

2  With  nicest  art,  in  secret,  God 

Did  ev'ry  member  write; 
And,  when  the  model  was  complete, 
My  eyes  beheld  the  light. 

3  He  bade  the  purple  flood  of  life 

In  circling  streams  to  flow; 

And  sent  the  genial  heat  around 

Through  ev'ry  part  to  glow. 

4  Why  was  my  body  form'd  erect, 

Whilst  brutes  bow  down  to  earth? 
But  that  my  soul  should  learn  to  know, 
And  claim  its  nobler  birth. 

5  Author  of  life !  my  tongue  shall  sing 

The  wonders  of  my  frame. 
Long  as  I  breathe,  and  think  and  speak, 
I'll  praise  thy  glorious  name. 

Hymn  43.  c.  m. 

God  holy  and  just. 

1  TTOLY  and  rev' rend  is  the  name 
JlJL  Of  our  eternal  King. 

Thrice  holy,  Lord !  the  angels  cry : — 
Thrice  holy,  let  us  sing. 

2  Holy  is  he  in  all  his  works, 

And  saints  are  his  delight; 
But  sinners  and  their  wicked  ways 
Are  hateful  in  his  sight. 

3  The  deepest  rev'rence,  homage,  love, 

Pay,  O  my  soul,  to  God ; 
Lift  with  thy  hands  a  holy  heart 
To  his  sublime  abode. 

4  Thou,  righteous  God  !  preserve  my  mind 

From  all  pollution  free; 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  33 

Thine  image  form  within  my  breast, 
That  I  thy  face  may  see. 

Hymn  44.  c.  m. 

1  /^  OD  is  a  spirit,  just  and  wise; 
VJ~  He  sees  our  inmost  mind. 

In  vain  to  heav'n  we  raise  our  cries, 
And  leave  our  souls  behind. 

2  Nothing  but  truth  before  his  throne 

With  honour  can  appear. 
The  painted  hypocrites  are  known 
Through  the  disguise  they  wear. 

3  Their  lifted  eyes  salute  the  skies, 

Their  bended  knees  the  ground: 
But  God  abhors  the  sacrifice, 
Where  not  the  heart  is  found. 

4  Lord !  search  my  thoughts,  and  try  my  ways, 

And  make  my  soul  sincere : 
Then  shall  I  stand  before  thy  face, 
And  find  acceptance  there. 

Hymn  45.  l.  m. 

1  T> RAISE  ye  the  Lord!  'tis  good  to  raise 
XT     Our  hearts  and  voices  in  his  praise : 
His  nature  and  his  works  invite 

To  make  this  duty  our  delight. 

2  He  loves  the  meek,  rewards  the  just, 
Humbles  the  wicked  in  the  dust, 
Melts  and  subdues  the  stubborn  soul, 
And  makes  the  broken  spirit  whole. 

3  His  saints  are  precious  in  his  sight; 
He  views  his  children  with  delight; 

He  sees  their  hope,  he  knows  their  fear, 
Approves  and  loves  his  image  there. 


34  CHARACTER    AND 

Hymn  46.  c.  m. 

1  ~1[T7"ITH  eye  impartial,  heav'n's  high  King 

Y  ¥      Surveys  each  human  tribe ; 
No  earthly  pomp  his  eyes  can  charm, 
Nor  wealth  his  favour  bribe. 

2  The  rich  and  poor,  of  equal  clay, 

His  pow'rful  hand  did  frame  ; 

All  souls  are  his,  and  him  alike 

Their  common  Parent  claim. 

3  Ye  sons  of  men  of  high  degree, 

Your  great  Superior  own ; 
Praise  him  for  all  his  gifts,  and  pay 
Your  homage  at  his  throne. 

4  Trust  in  the  Lord,  ye  humble  poor, 

And  banish  ev'ry  fear  ; 
The  God  you  serve  will  ne'er  forsake 
The  man  of  heart  sincere. 

Hymn  47.  l.  m. 

1  "WXTHAT  eyes  like  thine,  eternal  Sire, 

Tv      Through  sin's  obscurest  depths  inquire? 
What  judge,  like  thee,  on  virtue's  foes 
The  needful  vengeance  can  impose  1 

2  The  meek  observer  of  thy  laws 
To  thee  commits  his  injur' d  cause : 
In  thee,  each  anxious  fear  resign' d, 
The  fatherless  a  father  find. 

3  Thine  is  the  throne ;  beneath  thy  reign, 
Immortal  King,  the  tribes  profane 
Behold  their  dreams  of  conquest  o'er, 
And  vanish  to  be  seen  no  more. 

4  'Tis  thine  the  orphan's  cheek  to  dry, 
The  guiltless  suff'rer's  cause  to  try, 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  35 

To  rein  each  earth-born  tyrant's  will, 
And  bid  the  sons  of  pride  be  still. 

Hymn  48.  l.  m. 

1  f  1 1 HOU  suit'st,  O  Lord,  thy  righteous  ways 

JL     To  various  paths  of  human  kind : 
They,  who  for  mercy  merit  praise, 
With  thee  shall  wondrous  mercy  find. 

2  Such,  as  preversely  choose  to  go, 

Shall  meet  with  due  returns  from  thee : 
Thou  to  the  just  wilt  justice  show: 
The  pure  thy  purity  shall  see ; 

3  For  seeds  are  sown  of  glorious  light, 

A  future  harvest  for  the  just ; 
And  gladness  for  the  heart  that's  right, 
To  recompense  its  pious  trust. 

4  Rejoice,  ye  righteous,  in  the  Lord; 

Memorials  of  his  holiness 
Deep  in  your  faithful  breasts  record, 

And  with  your  thankful  tongues  confess. 

Hymn  49.  l.  m. 

1  T  1 1  HE  heart,  dejected,  sighs  to  know, 

J-     Why  vice  triumphant  reigns  below; 
Why  saints  have  falTn  in  ev'ry  age, 
The  victims  of  tyrannic  rage. 

2  Fast  roll  successive  years  away; 
Fast  hastens  on  th'  important  day, 
When,  to  th'  astonish' d  world's  surprise, 
God's  high  tribunal  shall  arise. 

3  Hark,  'tis  the  trumpet's  piercing  sound; 
The  rising  dead  assemble  round; 

In  close  procession,  see,  they  come, 
Each  to  receive  his  final  doom. 
4* 


36  CHARACTER    AND 

4  Lo  !  there,  a  vile,  degen'rate  race 
Pale  terror  sits  on  ev'ry  face : 
Here,  on  the  right,  a  joyful  band, 
The  sons  of  suff'ring  virtue  stand. 

5  The  sentence  pass'd,  lo  !  these  arise 
To  bliss  and  glory  in  the  skies  : 

While  those,  who  once  stood  high  in  fame 
Sink  to  contempt,  remorse,  and  shame. 

5  Thus  shall  God's  government  appear 
Without  a  shade,  divinely  fair ; 
And  blushing  doubts,  with  joy  confess, 
The  Lord's  a  God  of  righteousness. 

Hymn  50.  p.  m. 

God  faithful. 

1  T  |  iHE  promises  I  sing, 

JL  Which  love  supreme  hath  spoke  j 
Nor  will  th'  eternal  King 

His  words  of  grace  revoke. 

They  stand  secure 
And  stedfast  still : 
Not  Sion's  hill 
Abides  so  sure. 

2  The  mountains  melt  away, 

When  once  the  Judge  appears ; 
And  sun  and  moon  decay, 
That  measure  mortal  years : 
But  still  the  same, 
In  radiant  lines, 
His  promise  shines 
Through  all  the  flame. 

3  Their  harmony  shall  sound 

Through  my  attentive  ears, 
When  thunders  cleave  the  ground, 
And  dissipate  the  spheres. 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  37 

Midst  all  the  shock 
Of  that  dread  scene, 
I'll  stand  serene, 

Thy  word  my  rock. 

HXJfN   51.    C.  M. 

God  benevolent  and  merciful. 

1  T^  H Y  ceaseless,  unexhausted  love, 

A     Unmerited  and  free, 
Delights  our  evil  to  remove, 
And  help  our  misery. 

2  Thou  waitest  to  be  gracious  still; 

Thou  dost  with  sinners  bear- 
That,  sav'd,  we  may  thy  goodness  feel, 
And  all  thy  grace  declare. 

3  Thy  goodness  and  thy  truth,  to  me, 

To  ev;ry  soul  abound; 
A  vast,  unfathomable  sea, 

Where  all  our  thoughts  are  drown'd. 

4  Its  streams  the  whole  creation  reach, 

So  plenteous  is  the  store  ; 
Enough  for  all,  enough  for  'each, 
Enough  for  evermore. 

5  Faithful,  O  Lord,  thy  mercies  are; 

A  rock,  which  cannot  move : 
A  thousand  promises  declare 
Thy  constancy  of  love. 

6  Throughout  the  universe  it  reigns, 

Unalterably  sure : 
And,  while  the  truth  of  God  remains, 
His  goodness  must  endure. 


38  CHARACTER    AND 

Hymn  52.  p.  m.  as.&es. 

1  1%/rY  God,  thy  boundless  love  I  praise; 
JLtJL  How  bright  on  high  its  glories  blaze ! 

How  sweetly  bloom  below ! 
It  streams  from  thy  eternal  throne ; 
Through  heav'n  its  joys  for  ever  run, 

And  o'er  the  earth  they  flow. 

2  'Tis  love  that  paints  the  purple  morn, 
And  bids  the  clouds,  in  air  upborne, 

Their  genial  drops  distil : 
In  ev'ry  vernal  beam  it  glows, 
And  breathes  in  ev'ry  gale  that  blows, 

And  glides  in  ev'ry  rill. 

3  It  robes  in  cheerful  green  the  ground, 
And  pours  its  flow'ry  beauties  round, 

Whose  sweets  perfume  the  gale; 
Its  bounties  richly  spread  the  plain, 
The  blushing  fruit,  the  golden  grain, 

And  smile  on  ev'ry  vale. 

4  But  in  thy  gospel  see  it  shine 
With  grace  and  glories  more  divine, 

Proclaiming  sins  forgiv'n. 
There  faith,  bright  cherub,  points  the  way 
To  realms  of  everlasting  day, 

And  opens  all  her  heav'n. 

5  Then  let  the  love,  that  makes  me  blest, 
With  cheerful  praise  inspire  my  breast, 

And  ardent  gratitude; 
And  all  my  thoughts  and  passions  tend 
To  thee,  my  Father  and  my  Friend, 

My  soul's  eternal  good. 

Hymn  53.  l.  m. 


T 


RIUMPHANT,  Lord !  thy  goodness  reigns 
Through  all  the  wide  celestial  plains; 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  39 

And  its  full  streams  redundant  flow 
Down  to  th'  abodes  of  men  below. 

2  Through  nature's  works  thy  glories  shine; 
The  cares  of  providence  are  thine; 

And  thou  hast  raisd  within  our  frame 
A  fairer  temple  to  thy  name. 

3  0  give  to  ev'ry  human  heart, 

To  taste  and  feel,  how  good  thou  art; 
With  grateful  love,  and  rev' rend  fear, 
To  know  how  blest  thy  children  are. 

4  Let  nature  burst  into  a  song : 

Ye  echoing  hills,  the  notes  prolong ! 
Earth,  seas,  and  stars,  your  anthems  raise, 
All  vocal  with  your  Maker's  praise! 

5  Join,  O  my  soul!  the  gen'ral  song; 
To  thee  its  sweetest  notes  belong. 
Blest  above  all  by  love  divine, 

To  praise  is  eminently  thine. 

Hymn  54.  c.  m. 

1  CWEET  is  the  mem'ry  of  thy  grace, 
k3   O  God,  my  heav'nly  King ! 

Let  age  to  age  thy  righteousness 
In  sounds  of  glory  sing. 

2  God  reigns  on  high,  but  not  confines 

His  goodness  to  the  skies. 
Through  the  whole  earth  his  bounty  shines, 
And  ev'ry  want  supplies. 

3  With  longing  eyes,  thy  creatures  wait 

On  thee  for  daily  food; 
Thy  lib'ral  hand  provides  their  meat, 
And  fills  their  mouths  with  good. 

4  How  kind  are  thy  compassions,  Lord ! 

How  slow  thine  anger  moves ! 


40  CHARACTER    AND 

But  soon  he  sends  his  pard'ning  word, 
To  cheer  the  souls  he  loves. 

5  Creatures,  with  all  their  endless  race, 
Thy  pow'r  and  praise  proclaim; 
But  saints,  who  taste  thy  richer  grace, 
Delight  to  bless  thy  name. 


o 


Hymn  55.  c.  m. 

UR  souls  with  pleasing  wonder  view 
The  bounties  of  thy  grace; 
How  much  bestow' d,  how  much  reserv'd, 
For  those  that  seek  thy  face. 

Thy  lib'ral  hand  with  worldly  bliss 
Oft  makes  their  cup  run  o'er; 

And  in  the  cov'nant  of  thy  love 
They  find  diviner  store. 

Here  mercy  hides  their  num'rous  sins; 

Here  grace  their  souls  renews ; 
Here  hope,  and  love,  and  joy,  and  peace 

Their  heav'nly  beams  diffuse. 

But,  oh !  what  treasures  yet  unknown 
Are  lodg'd  in  worlds  to  come ! 

If  these  th'  enjoyments  of  the  way, 
How  happy  is  their  home ! 

And  what  shall  mortal  worms  reply  ? 

Or  how  such  goodness  own? 
But  'tis  our  joy,  that,  Lord,  to  thee 

Thy  servants'  hearts  are  known. 

Since  time's  too  short,  all-gracious  God, 

To  utter  half  thy  praise ; 
Loud,  to  the  honour  of  thy  name, 

Eternal  hymns  we'll  raise. 


'MY 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  41 

Hymn  56.  s.  m. 

soul,  repeat  his  praise, 


Whose  mercies  are  so  great; 
Whose  anger  is  so  slow  to  rise, 
So  ready  to  abate. 

2  God  will  not  always  chide; 

And,  when  his  wrath  is  felt, 
His  strokes  are  fewer  than  our  crimes, 
And  lighter  than  our  guilt. 

3  High  as  the  heav'ns  are  rais'd 

Above  the  ground  we  tread, 
So  far  the  riches  of  his  grace 
Our  highest  thoughts  exceed. 

4  His  grace  subdues  our  sins; 

And  his  forgiving  love, 
Far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west, 
Doth  all  our  guilt  remove. 

5  The  pity  of  the  Lord 

To  those  who  fear  his  name, 
Is  such  as  tender  parents  feel; 
He  knows  our  feeble  frame. 

6  Our  days  are  as  the  grass, 

Or  like  the  morning  flower ! 
If  one  sharp  blast  sweep  o'er  the  field, 
It  withers  in  an  hour. 

7  But  thy  compassions,  Lord, 

To  endless  years  endure; 
And  children's  children  ever  find 
Thy  words  of  promise  sure. 

Hymn  57.  c.  m. 

OTHOU,  the  wretched' s  sure  retreat, 
Who  dost  our  cares  control, 
And,  with  the  cheerful  smile  of  peace, 
Revive  the  fainting  soul ! 


42  CHARACTER    AND 

2  Did  ever  thy  propitious  ear 

The  humhle  plea  disdain? 
Or  when  did  plaintive  mis'ry  sigh, 
Or  supplicate  in  vain  ? 

3  Opprest  with  grief  and  shame,  dissolv'd 

In  penitential  tears, 
Thy  goodness  calms  our  anxious  doubts, 
And  dissipates  our  fears. 

4  New  life  from  thy  refreshing  grace 

Our  sinking  hearts  receive ; 
Thy  gentlest,  best-lov'd  attribute, 
To  pity  and  forgive. 

5  From  that  blest  source,  propitious  hope 

Appears  serenely  bright, 
And  sheds  her  soft  and  cheering  beam 
O'er  sorrow's  dismal  night. 

6  Our  hearts  adore  thy  mercy,  Lord, 

And  bless  the  friendly  ray, 
Which  ushers  in  the  smiling  morn 
Of  everlasting  day. 

Hymn  58.  l.  m. 

11    TP  to  the  Lord,  who  reigns  on  high, 
KJ    And  views  the  nations  from  afar, 
Let  everlasting  praises  fly, 

And  tell  how  large  his  bounties  are. 

2  He  overrules  all  mortal  things, 

And  manages  our  mean  affairs; 
On  humble  souls  the  King  of  kings 
Bestows  his  counsels  and  his  cares. 

3  Our  sorrows  and  our  tears  we  pour 

Into  the  bosom  of  our  God ; 
He  hears  us  in  the  mournful  hour, 
And  helps  to  bear  the  heavy  load. 


PERFECTIONS    OF    GOD.  43 

4  In  vain  might  lofty  princes  try 

Such  condescension  to  perform; 
For  worms  were  never  raise!  so  high 
Above  their  meanest  fellow- worm. 

5  O  could  our  thankful  hearts  devise 

A  tribute  equal  to  thy  grace  ; 
To  the  third  heav'n  our  songs  should  rise, 
And  teach  the  golden  harps  thy  praise. 

Hymn  59.  c.  m. 

1  1       ET  ev'ry  tongue  thy  goodness  speak, 
JLi   Thou  sov;  reign  Lord  of  all : 

Thy  strength' ning  hands  uphold  the  weak, 
And  raise  the  poor  that  fall. 

2  When  sorrow  bows  the  spirit  down, 

Or  virtue  lies  distress' d 
Beneath  some  proud  oppressor's  frown, 
Thou  giv'st  the  mourner  rest. 

3  Thou  know'st  the  pain  thy  servants  feel] 

Thou  hear' st  thy  children  cry; 
And,  their  best  wishes  to  fulfil, 
Thy  grace  is  ever  nigh. 

4  Thy  mercy  never  shall  remove 

From  men  of  heart  sincere  ; 
Thou  sav'st  the  souls,  whose  humble  love 
Is  joiud  with  holy  fear. 

5  My  lips  shall  dwell  upon  thy  praise, 

And  spread  thy  fame  abroad. 
Let  all  the  sons  of  Adam  raise 
The  honours  of  their  God. 

Hymn  60.  s.  m. 

1   (~^  RACE,  :tis  a  charming  sound  ! 
OT  Harmonious  to  the  ear  ! 
Heav'n  with  the  echo  shall  resound, 
And  all  the  earth  shall  hear. 
5 


44  WORKS    OF  GOD 

2  Grace  first  contriv'd  a  way 

To  save  rebellious  man ; 
And  all  the  steps  that  grace  display, 
Which  drew  the  wondrous  plan. 

3  Grace  leads  my  roving  feet 

To  tread  the  heav'nly  road  ; 
And  new  supplies  each  hour  I  meet, 
While  pressing  on  to  God. 

4  Grace  all  the  work  shall  crown, 

Through  everlasting  days; 
It  lays  in  Heav'n  the  topmost  stone, 
And  well  deserves  the  praise. 


III. 

WORKS  OF  GOD  IN  NATURE. 


Hymn  61.  l.  m. 

THE  spacious  firmament  on  high, 
With  all  the  blue  ethereal  sky, 
And  spangled  heav'ns,  a  shining  frame, 
Their  great  original  proclaim. 

Th'  unwearied  sun,  from  day  to  day, 
Does  his  Creator's  pow'r  display, 
And  publishes  to  cv'ry  land 
The  work  of  an  almighty  hand, 

Soon  as  the  evening  shades  prevail, 
The  moon  takes  up  the  wondrous  tale, 
And  nightly  to  the  list'ning  earth 
Repeats  the  story  of  her  birth  : 


IN    NATURE.  45 

4  Whilst  all  the  stars  that  round  her  burn, 
And  all  the  planets  in  their  turn, 
Confirm  the  tidings,  as  they  roll, 

And  spread  the  truth  from  pole  to  pole. 

5  What  though  in  solemn  silence  all 
Move  round  the  dark  terrestrial  ball  ? 
What  though  nor  real  voice  nor  sound 
Amidst  their  radiant  orbs  be  found  % 

6  In  reason's  ear  they  all  rejoice, 
And  utter  forth  a  glorious  voice, 
For  ever  singing,  as  they  shine — 
The  hand  that  made  us  is  divine. 

Hymn  62.  l.  m. 

1  rjl  HERE  is  a  God,  all  nature  speaks, 

JL     Through  earth,  and  air,  and  seas,  and  skies. 
See,  from  the  clouds  his  glory  breaks, 
When  the  first  beams  of  morning  rise. 

2  The  rising  sun,  serenely  bright, 

O'er  the  wide  world's  extended  frame, 
Inscribes  in  characters  of  light 

His  mighty  Maker's  glorious  name. 

3  Diffusing  life,  his  influence  spreads, 

And  health  and  plenty  smile  around ; 
And  fruitful  fields,  and  verdant  meads, 
Are  with  a  thousand  blessings  crown'd. 

4  Almighty  Goodness,  Power  divine, 

The  fields  and  verdant  meads  display ; 
And  bless  the  hand  which  made  them  shine 
With  various  charms  profusely  gay. 

5  For  man  and  beast,  here  daily  food 

In  wide  diffusive  plenty  grows ; 
And  there  for  drink,  the  crystal  flood 
In  streams  sweet  winding  gently  flows. 


46  WORKS    OF    GOD 

6  By  cooling  streams  and  soft'ning  show'rs, 
The  vegetable  race  are  fed  ; 
And  trees,  and  plants,  and  herbs,  and  flow'rs, 
Their  Maker's  bounty  smiling  spread. 

Hymn  63.  c.  m. 

1  XX AIL,  Great  Creator,  wise  and  good  ! 
_n_  To  thee  our  songs  we  raise. 
Nature,  through  all  her  various  scenes, 

Invites  us  to  thy  praise. 

2  At  morning,  noon,  and  ev'ning  mild, 

Fresh  wonders  strike  our  view ; 
And  while  we  gaze,  our  hearts  exult, 
With  transports  ever  new. 

3  Thy  glory  beams  in  ev'ry  star, 

Which  gilds  the  gloom  of  night ; 
And  decks  the  smiling  face  of  morn 
With  rays  of  cheerful  light. 

4  The  lofty  hill,  the  humble  lawn, 

With  countless  beauties  shine  ; 
The  silent  grove,  the  awful  shade, 
Proclaim  thy  pow'r  divine. 

5  Great  nature's  God!  still  may  these  scenes 

Our  serious  hours  engage  ! 
Still  may  our  grateful  hearts  consult 
Thy  works'  instructive  page  ! 

6  And  while  in  all  thy  wondrous  works, 

Thy  varied  love  we  see ; 
Still  may  the  contemplation  lead 
Our  hearts,  O  God,  to  thee  ! 

Hymn  64.  c.  m. 

1  X^TE  sing  th'  almighty  pow'r  of  God, 
▼  T     Who  bade  the  mountains  rise, 


IN    NATURE.  47 

Who  spread  the  flowing  seas  abroad, 
And  built  the  lofty  skies. 

2  We  sing  the  wisdom  that  ordain'd 

The  sun  to  rule  the  day ; 
The  moon  shines  full  at  his  command, 
And  all  the  stars  obey. 

3  We  sing  the  goodness  of  the  Lord, 

Who  fills  the  earth  with  food ; 
Who  form'd  his  creatures  by  a  word, 
And  then  pronouncd  them  good. 

4  Lord,  how  thy  wonders  are  display' d, 

Where'er  we  turn  our  eyes ; 
Whether  we  view  the  ground  we  tread, 
Or  gaze  upon  the  skies ! 

5  There's  not  a  plant  nor  flow'r  below, 

But  makes  thy  glories  known ; 
And  clouds  arise,  and  tempests  blow, 
By  order  from  thy  throne. 

6  Creation,  vast  as  it  may  be, 

Is  subject  to  thy  will. 
There's  not  a  place,  where  we  can  flee, 
But  God  is  with  us  still. 

7  On  him  each  moment  we  depend ; 

If  he  withdraw,  we  die. 
Oh,  may  we  ne'er  that  God  offend, 
Who  is  for  ever  nigh  ! 


Hymn  65.  l.  m. 

1  "I       ET  the  high  heav'ns  your  songs  invite; 
J—J    Those  spacious  fields  of  brilliant  light, 
Where  sun,  and  moon,  and  planets  roll, 
And  stars  that  glow  from  pole  to  pole. 
5* 


48  WORKS    OF    GOD 

2  Sing  earth  in  verdant  robes  array' d, 

Its  herbs  and  flow'rs,  its  fruits  and  shade; 

Peopled  with  life  of  various  forms, 

Of  fish,  and  fowl,  and  beasts,  and  worms. 

3  View  the  broad  sea's  majestic  plains, 
And  think  how  wide  its  Maker  reigns. 
That  band  remotest  nations  joins ; 
And  on  each  wave  his"  goodness  shines. 

4  But,  O  !  that  brighter  world  above, 
Where  lives  and  reigns  incarnate  love  ! 
God's  only  son,  in  flesh  array' d, 

For  man  a  bleeding  victim  made  ! 

5  Thither,  my  soul,  with  rapture  soar ; 
There  in  the  land  of  praise  adore  ! 
The  theme  demands  an  angel's  lay, 
Demands  an  everlasting  da}'". 

Hymn  66.  l.  m. 

1  XT'  TERNAL  source  of  ev'ry  joy ! 

wrA    Well  may  thy  praise  our  lips  employ, 
While  in  thy  temple  we  appear, 
Whose  goodness  crowns  the  circling  year. 

2  The  flow'ry  spring,  at  thy  command, 
Perfumes  the  air,  and  paints  the  land  5 
The  summer-rays  with  vigour  shine, 
To  raise  the  corn  and  cheer  the  vine. 

3  Thy  hand,  in  autumn,  richly  pours, 
Through  all  our  coasts  redundant  stores ; 
And  winters,  soften' d  by  thy  care, 

No  more  a  face  of  horror  wear. 

4  Seasons,  and  months,  and  weeks,  and  days, 
Demand  successive  songs  of  praise. 

Still  be  the  cheerful  homage  paid, 
With  morning  light,  and  ev'ning  shade. 


IX   NATURE.  49 

5  Here  in  thy  house  let  incense  rise, 
And  circling  sabbaths  bless  our  eyes  ; 
Till  to  those  lofty  heights  we  soar, 
Where  days  and  years  revolve  no  more. 

Hymn  67.  c.  m. 

1  T/f7~*TH  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud, 

¥  f      Address  the  Lord  on  high : 
Over  the  heav'ns  he  spreads  his  cloud, 
And  waters  veil  the  sky. 

2  He  sends  his  show'rs  of  blessings  down, 

To  cheer  the  plains  below ; 
He  makes  the  grass  the  mountains  crown, 
And  corn  in  valleys  grow. 

3  He  gives  the  grazing  ox  his  meat; 

He  hears  the  ravens  cry  : 
But  man,  who  tastes  his  finest  wheat, 

Should  raise  his  honours  hio-h. 

© 

4  His  steady  counsels  change  the  face 

Of  the  declining  year  • 
He  bids  the  sun  cut  short  his  race, 
And  wintry  days  appear. 

5  His  hoary  frost,  his  fleecy  snow, 

Descend  and  clothe  the  ground; 
The  liquid  streams  forbear  to  flow, 
In  icy  fetters  bound. 

6  He  sends  his  word,  and  melts  the  snow, 

The  fields  no  longer  mourn. 
He  calls  the  warmer  gales  to  blow, 
And  bids  the  spring  return. 

7  The  changing  wind,  the  flying  cloud, 

Obey  his  mighty  word. 
With  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud, 
Praise  ye  the  so v'  reign  Lord. 


50  WORKS    OF    GOD 

Hymn  68.  c,  m. 

1  TX7"HILE  beauty  clothes  the  fertile  vale, 

f  ?      And  blossoms  on  the  spray, 
And  fragrance  breathes  in  ev'ry  gale, 
How  sweet  the  vernal  day ! 

2  How  kind  the  influence  of  the  skies ! 

Soft  show'rs,  with  blessings  fraught, 
Bid  verdure,  beauty,  fragrance  rise, 
And  fix  the  roving  thought. 

3  O  let  my  wond'ring  heart  confess, 

With  gratitude  and  love, 
The  bounteous  hand  that  deigns  to  bless 
The  garden,  field,  and  grove. 

4  That  bounteous  hand  my  thoughts  adore, 

Beyond  expression  kind, 
Hath  sweeter,  nobler  gifts  in  store, 
To  bless  the  craving  mind. 

5  Inspir'd  to  praise,  I  then  shall  join 

Glad  nature's  cheerful  song; 
And  love  and  gratitude  divine 
Attune  my  joyful  tongue. 

Hymn  69.  l.  m. 

1  f  1 1  HE  rising  morn,  the  closing  day, 

JL     Repeat  thy  praise  with  grateful  voice ; 
Both  in  their  turns  thy  pow'r  display, 
And  laden  with  thy  gifts,  rejoice. 

2  Earth's  wide-extended,  varying  scenes, 

All  smiling  round,  thy  bounty  show. 
From  seas  or  clouds,  full  magazines, 
Thy  rich  diffusive  blessings  flow. 

3  Now  earth  receives  the  precious  seed, 

Which  thy  indulgent  hand  prepares ; 


IN    NATURE.  51 

And  nourishes  the  future  bread, 
And  answers  all  the  sower's  cares. 

4  Thy  sweet  refreshing  show'rs  attend 

And  through  the  ridges  gently  flow, 
Soft  on  the  springing  corn  descend ; 
And  thy  kind  blessing  makes  it  grow. 

5  Thy  goodness  crowns  the  circling  year; 

Thy  paths  drop  fatness  all  around  ; 

E'en  barren  wilds  thy  praise  declare, 

And  echoing  hills  return  the  sound. 

6  Here,  spreading  flocks  adorn  the  plain , 

There  plenty  ev'ry  charm  displays. 
Thy  bounty  clothes  each  lovely  scene; 
And  joyful  nature  shouts  thy  praise. 


Hymn  70.  l. 


3i. 


1  ^1  RE  AT  God,  at  whose  all-pow'rful  call, 
VT  At  first  arose  this  beauteous  frame  ! 
By  thee  the  seasons  change,  and  all 

The  changing  seasons  speak  thy  name. 

2  Thy  bounty  bids  the  infant  year, 

From  winter  storms  recover' d,  rise; 
When  thousand  grateful  scenes  appear, 
Fresh  opening  to  our  wondering  eyes. 

3  O  how  delightful  'tis  to  see 

The  earth  in  vernal  beauty  drest ! 

While  in  each  herb,  and  flow'r,  and  tree, 

Thy  blooming  glories  shine  confest ! 

4  Aloft,  full  beaming,  reigns  the  sun, 

And  light  and  genial  heat  conveys ; 
And,  while  he  leads  the  seasons  on, 
From  thee  derives  his  quick' ning  rays. 

5  Around  us,  in  the  teeming  field, 

Stands  the  rich  grain  or  purpled  vine. 


52  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

At  thy  command  they  rise,  to  yield 

The  strength' ning  bread  or  cheering  wine. 

6  Indulgent  God !  from  ev'ry  part 

Thy  plenteous  blessings  largely  flow. 
We  see;  we  taste; — let  ev'ry  heart 
With  grateful  love  and  duty  glow. 


IV. 

DIVINE  PROVIDENCE  AND  GOVERN- 
MENT 


Hymn  71.  c.  m. 

1  T    ET  the  whole  race  of  creatures  lie 

I   I   Abas' d  before  the  Lord  ! 
Whate'er  his  pow'rful  hand  has  form'd, 
He  governs  with  a  word. 

2  Ten  thousand  ages  ere  the  skies 

Were  into  motion  brought, 
All  the  long  years  and  worlds  to  come 
Stood  present  to  his  thought. 

3  There's  not  a  sparrow  or  a  worm 

O'erlook'd  in  his  decrees. 
He  raises  monarchs  to  a  throne, 
Or  sinks  with  equal  ease. 

4  If  light  attend  the  course  I  go, 

'Tis  he  provides  the  rays; 
And  'tis  his  hand  that  hides  the  sun, 
If  darkness  cloud  my  days. 


AND    GOVERNMENT.  53 

5  Trusting  his  wisdom  and  his  love, 

I  would  not  wish  to  know, 
What  in  the  book  of  his  decrees 
Awaits  me  here  below. 

6  Be  this  alone  my  fervent  pray'r : 

Whate'er  my  lot  shall  be, 
Or  joys,  or  sorrows,  may  they  form 
My  soul  for  heav'n  and  thee ! 

Hymn  72.  c.  m. 

1  T~T]  HE  Lord,  how  fearful  is  his  name ! 

JL     How  wide  is  his  command ! 
Nature,  with  all  her  moving  frame, 
Rests  on  his  mighty  hand. 

2  Immortal  glory  forms  his  throne, 

And  light  his  awful  robe, 
Whilst,  with  a  smile  or  with  a  frown, 
He  manages  the  globe. 

3  Adoring  angels  round  him  fall, 

In  all  their  shining  forms. 
His  sov' reign  eye  looks  through  them  all, 
And  pities  mortal  worms. 

4  His  bowels  to  our  worthless  race 

In  sweet  compassion  move ; 
He  clothes  his  looks  with  softest  grace, 
And  takes  his  title,  love. 

5  Now,  let  the  Lord  for  ever  reign, 

And  sway  us  as  he  will. 
Sick,  or  in  health,  in  ease,  or  pain, 
We  are  his  fav' rites  still. 

6  No  more  shall  peevish  passion  rise; 

The  tongue  no  more  complain. 
3Tis  sov' reign  love  that  lends  our  joys, 
And  love  resumes  again. 


54  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

Hymn  73.  p.  m.  8s. 

1  ""V7~E  subjects  of  the  Lord,  proclaim 

JL    The  royal  honours  of  his  name. 
"Jehovah  reigns,"  be  all  your  song. 
'Tis  he,  thy  God,  O  Zion !  reigns. 
Prepare  thy  most  harmonious  strains, 
Glad  hallelujahs  to  prolong. 
#• 

2  Ye  princes,  boast  no  more  your  crown, 
But  lay  the  glitt'ring  trifle  down 

In  lowly  honour  at  his  feet. 
A  span  your  narrow  empire  bounds : 
He  reigns  beyond  created  rounds, 

In  self-sufficient  glory  great. 

3  Tremble,  ye  pageants  of  a  day, 
Form'd,  like  your  slaves,  of  brittle  clay; 

Down  to  the  dust  your  sceptres  bend. 
To  everlasting  years  he  reigns, 
And  undiminish'd  rule  maintains, 

When  kings,  and  suns,  and  time  shall  end. 

4  So  shall  his  favour' d  Zioli  live; 
In  vain  confed'rate  nations  strive 

Her  sacred  turrets  to  destroy. 
Her  sov' reign  sits  enthron'd  above; 
And  endless  pow'r  and  endless  love 

Insure  her  safety  and  her  joy. 

Hymn  74.  p.  m.  ios  &  us. 

1    r  ■  1  HE  Lord  of  glory  reigns  supremely  great, 
JL    And  o'er  heav'n' searches  builds  his  royal  seat. 
Thro'  worlds  unknown  his  sov' reign  sway  extends, 
Nor  space,  nor  time,  his  boundless  empire  ends. 
His  eye  beholds  th'  affairs  of  ev'ry  nation, 
And  reads  each  thought  thro'  his  immense  creation. 


AND    GOVERNMENT.  55 

Lightnings  and  storms  his  mighty  word  obey, 
And  planets  roll,  where  he  has  mark'd  their  way. 
Unnumber'd  cherubs  veil'd  before  him  stand, 
And  at  his  signal  all  their  wings  expand. 
His  praise  gives  harmony  to  all  their  voices, 
And  ev'ry  heart  through  the  full  choir  rejoices. 

Rebellious  mortals,  cease  your  tumults  vain, 
Nor  longer  such  unequal  war  maintain. 
Let  clay  with  fellow-clay  in  combat  strive : 
But  dread  to  brave  the  pow'r,  by  which  you  live. 
With  contrite  hearts  fall  prostrate,  and  adore  him; 
For,  if  he  frown,  ye  perish  all  before  him. 


G 


Hymn  75.  l.  m. 

REATEST  of  beings,  source  of  life, 
Sov' reign  of  air,  and  earth,  and  sea! 
All  nature  feels  thy  pow'r;  but  man 
A  grateful  tribute  pays  to  thee. 

Subject  to  wants,  to  thee  he  looks, 

And  from  thy  goodness  seeks  supplies ; 

And,  when  oppress' d  with  guilt,  he  mourns, 
Thy  mercy  lifts  him  to  the  skies. 

Children,  whose  little  minds,  unform'd, 
Ne'er  rais'd  a  tender  thought  to  heav'n; 

And  men,  whom  reason  lifts  to  God, 

Though  oft  by  passion  downward  driv'n; 

Those,  too,  who  bend  with  age  and  care, 
And  faint  and  tremble  near  the  tomb, 

Who,  sick'ning  at  the  present  scenes, 
Sigh  for  that  better  state  to  come : 

All,  great  Creator!  all  are  thine; 

All  feel  thy  providential  care ; 
And,  through  each  varying  scene  of  life, 

Alike  thy  constant  pity  share. 
6 


56  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

6  And,  whether  grief  oppress  the  heart, 

Or  whether  joy  elate  the  breast, 
Or  life  still  keep  its  little  course, 
Or  death  invite  the  heart  to  rest : — 

7  All  are  thy  messengers,  and  all 

Thy  sacred  pleasure,  Lord,  obey; 
And  all  are  training  man  to  dwell 
Nearer  to  bliss,  and  nearer  thee. 

Hymn  76.  l.  m. 

1  "V17"HO,  gracious  Father !  can  complain, 

TT      Under  thy  mild  and  gentle  reign? 
Who  does  a  weight  of  duty  share, 
More  than  his  aids  and  pow'rs  can  bear? 

2  With  diff'ring  climes,  and  diff'ring  lands, 
With  fertile  plains  and  barren  sands, 
Thy  hand  hath  fram'd  this  earthly  round, 
And  set  each  nation  in  its  bound. 

3  So  various,  thy  celestial  ray 

Here  sheds  a  full,  there  fainter  day. 
The  God  of  all,  unkind  to  none, 
To  all  the  path  of  life  hath  shown. 

4  Large  is  the  bounty  of  his  hand : 
He  will  a  large  return  demand. 
Haste  then,  my  soul !  thy  work  pursue, 
And  keep  the  heav'nly  prize  in  view. 

Hymn  77.  l.  m. 

1  rilHROUGH  all  the  various  shifting  scene 

JL     Of  life's  mistaken  ill  or  good, 
Thy  hand,  0  God,  conducts,  unseen, 
The  beautiful  vicissitude. 

2  Thou  givest  with  paternal  care, 

Howe'er  unjustly  we  complain,. 


AM)    GOVERNMENT.  57 

To  all  their  necessary  share 

Of  joy  and  sorrow,  health  and  pain. 

3  Trust  we  to  youth,  or  friends,  or  pow'r? 

Fix  we  on  this  terrestrial  ball? 
When  most  secure,  the  coming  hour, 
If  thou  see  fit,  may  blast  them  all. 

4  Thy  pow'rful  consolations  cheer; 

Thy  smiles  suppress  the  deep-fetch'd  sigh; 
Thy  hand  can  dry  the  trickling  tear, 
That  secret  wets  the  widow's  eye. 

5  All  things  on  earth,  and  all  in  heav'n 

On  thy  eternal  will  depend; 
And  all  for  greater  good  were  giv'n, 
Would  man  pursue  th'  appointed  end. 

6  Be  this  my  care : — To  all  beside, 

IndifTrent  let  my  wishes  be. 
Passion  be  calm,  abas' d  be  pride, 

And  fix'd  my  soul,  great  God !  on  thee. 


Hymn  78.  c. 


M. 


1  /^  OD  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 
VX  His  wonders  to  perform. 

He  plants  his  footsteps  in  the  sea, 
And  rides  upon  the  storm. 

2  Deep  in  unfathomable  mines 

Of  never-failing  skill, 
He  treasures  up  his  bright  designs, 
And  works  his  sov' reign  will. 

3  Ye  fearful  saints !  fresh  courage  take ; 

The  clouds  ye  so  much  dread 
Are  big  with  mercy,  and  will  break 
In  blessings  on  your  head. 

4  Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense, 

But  trust  him  for  his  grace; 


58  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

Behind  a  frowning  providence, 
He  hides  a  smiling  face. 

5  His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  ev'ry  hour. 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 
But  sweet  will  be  the  flow'r. 

6  Blind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err, 

And  scan  his  work  in  vain. 
God  is  his  own  interpreter, 
And  he  will  make  it  plain. 

Hymn  79.  l.m. 

1  "¥7"  AST  are  thy  works,  almighty  Lord! 

▼      All  nature  rests  upon  thy  word. 
Thy  glories  in  the  heav'ns  we  see; 
The  spacious  earth  is  full  of  thee. 

2  The  various  tribes  of  creatures  stand, 
Waiting  their  portion  from  thy  hand ; 
And,  while  they  take  their  diff'rent  food, 
Their  cheerful  looks  pronounce  thee  good. 

3  Whene'er  thy  face  is  hid,  they  mourn, 
And,  dying,  to  their  dust  return; 
Both  man  and  beast  their  souls  resign  ; 
Life,  breath,  and  spirit,  all  are  thine. 

4  Yet  thou  canst  breathe  on  dust  again, 
And  fill  the  world  with  beasts  and  men. 
A  word  of  thy  creating  breath 
Repairs  the  wastes  of  time  and  death. 

5  The  earth  stands  trembling  at  thy  stroke, 
And  at  thy  touch  the  mountains  smoke. 
Yet  humble  souls  may  see  thy  face, 
And  tell  their  wants  to  sov' reign  grace. 

6  In  thee  my  hopes  and  wishes  meet, 
And  make  my  meditations  sweet. 

I  to  my  God,  my  heav'nly  King, 
Immortal  hallelujahs  sing. 


and  government.  59 

Hymn  80.  l.  m. 

1  f^i  RE  AT  Ruler  of  the  earth  and  skies ! 
VX  A  word  of  thine  almighty  breath 
Can  sink  the  world,  or  bid  it  rise. 

Thy  smile  is  life,  thy  frown  is  death. 

2  When  angry  nations  rush  to  arms, 

And  rage,  and  noise,  and  tumult  reign, 
And  war  resounds  its  dire  alarms, 
And  slaughter  dyes  the  hostile  plain : 

3  Thy  sov'  reign  eye  looks  calmly  down, 

And  marks  their  course,  and  bounds  their  pow'r; 
Thy  law  the  angry  nations  own, 

And  noise  and  war  are  heard  no  more. 

4  Then  peace  returns  with  balmy  wing, 

Sweet  peace !  with  her  what  blessings  fled ! 
Glad  plenty  laughs,  the  valleys  sing, 
Reviving  commerce  lifts  her  head. 

5  To  thee  we  pay  our  grateful  songs ; 

Thy  kind  protection  still  implore. 
O  may  our  hearts,  and  lives,  and  tongues, 
Confess  thy  goodness,  and  adore ! 

Hymn  81.  l.  m. 

1  /^i  OD  is  the  refuge  of  his  saints, 

VX~  When  storms  of  deep  distress  invade. 
Ere  we  can  offer  our  complaints, 
Behold  him  present  with  his  aid. 

2  Let  mountains  from  their  seats  be  hurl'd 

Down  to  the  deep,  and  buried  there ; 
Convulsions  shake  the  solid  world  : 
Our  faith  shall  never  yield  to  fear. 

3  Loud  may  the  troubled  ocean  roar: 

In  sacred  peace  our  souls  abide ; 
While  ev'ry  nation,  ev'ry  shore 

Trembles  and  dreads  the  swelling  tide, 
ft* 


60  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

4  'Midst  storms  and  tempests,  Lord !  thy  word 
Does  ev'ry  rising  fear  control. 
Sweet  peace  thy  promises  afford, 
And  well  sustain  the  fainting  soul. 

Hymn  82.  s.  m. 

1  jT^  I VE  to  the  winds  thy  fears ; 
\IW  Hope,  and  be  undismay'd: 

God  hears  thy  sighs,  and  counts  thy  tears, 
God  shall  lift  up  thy  head. 

2  Through  waves,  and  clouds,  and  storms, 

He  gently  clears  thy  way : 
Wait  thou  his  time,  so  shall  this  night 
Soon  end  in  joyous  day. 

3  What  though  thou  rulest  not : 

Yet  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  hell 
Proclaim,  God  sitteth  on  the  throne, 
And  ruleth  all  things  well. 

4  Thine  everlasting  truth, 

Father,  thy  ceaseless  love, 
Sees  all  thy  children's  wants,  and  knows 
What  best  for  each  will  prove. 

5  And  whatsoe'er  thou  will'st, 

Thou  dost,  O  King  of  kings ; 
What  thine  unerring  wisdom  chose, 
Thy  pow'r  to  being  brings. 

6  Thou  see'st  our  weakness,  Lord  ; 

Our  hearts  are  known  to  thee. 
O  lift  thou  up  the  sinking  head, 
Confirm  the  feeble  knee. 

7  Let  us  in  life,  in  death, 

Thy  stedfast  truth  declare ; 
And  publish  with  our  latest  breath, 
Thy  love  and  guardian  care. 


and  government.  61 

Hymn  83.  l.  m 

1  1VTOT  from  relentless  fate's  dark  womb, 
J_  i  Or  from  the  dust,  our  troubles  come. 
No  fickle  chance  presides  o'er  grief, 

To  cause  the  pain,  or  send  relief. 

2  Look  up,  and  see,  ye  sorrowing  saints ! 
The  cause  and  cure  of  your  complaints. 
Know,  'tis  your  heav'nly  Father's  will : 
Bid  ev'ry  murmur  then  be  still. 

3  He  sees,  we  need  the  painful  yoke ; 
Yet  love  directs  his  heaviest  stroke. 
He  takes  no  pleasure  in  our  smart, 

But  wounds  to  heal  and  cheer  the  heart, 

4  Blest  trials  those  that  cleanse  from  sin, 
And  make  the  soul  all  pure  within, 
Wean  the  fond  mind  from  earthly  toys, 
To  seek  and  taste  celestial  joys ! 

Hymn  84.  c.  m. 

1  FTl  O  calm  the  sorrows  of  the  mind, 

JL     Our  heav'nly  friend  is  nigh, 
To  wipe  the  anxious  tear  that  starts 
Or  trembles  in  the  eye. 

2  Thou  canst,  when  anguish  rends  the  heart, 

The  secret  wo  control ; 
The  inward  malady  canst  heal, 
The  sickness  of  the  soul. 

3  Thou  canst  repress  the  rising  sigh ; 

Canst  soothe  each  mortal  care; 
And  ev'ry  deep  and  heart-felt  groan 
Is  wafted  to  thine  ear. 

4  Thy  gracious  eye  is  watchful  still ; 

Thy  potent  ami  can  save 


62  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

From  threat'ning  danger  and  disease, 
And  the  devouring  grave. 

5  When,  pale  and  languid  all  the  frame, 

The  ruthless  hand  of  pain 
Arrests  the  feeble  pow'rs  of  life, 
The  help  of  man  is  vain. 

6  'Tis  thou,  great  God  !  alone  canst  check 

The  progress  of  disease; 
And  sickness,  aw'd  by  pow'r  divine, 
The  high  command  obeys. 

7  Eternal  source  of  life,  and  health, 

And  ev'ry  bliss  we  feel ! 
In  sorrow  and  in  joy,  to  thee 
Our  grateful  hearts  appeal. 


»S 


Hymn  85.  s.  m. 

URE  there's  a  righteous  God, 
Nor  is  religion  vain; 
Though  men  of  vice  may  boast  aloud, 
And  virtuous  men  complain. 

I  saw  the  wicked  rise, 

And  felt  my  heart  repine, 
While  haughty  fools,  with  scornful  eyes, 

In  robes  of  honour  shine. 

Their  impious  tongues  blaspheme 

The  everlasting  God ; 
Their  malice  blasts  the  good  man's  name, 

And  spreads  their  lies  abroad. 

The  tumults  of  my  thought 

Held  me  in  deep  suspense, 
Till  to  thy  house  my  feet  were  brought, 

To  learn  thy  justice  thence. 

Thy  word,  with  light  and  pow'r, 
Did  my  mistakes  amend; 


AND    GOVERNMENT.  63 

I  view'd  the  sinners1  life  before, 
But  here  I  learnt  their  end. 

6  Lord,  at  thy  feet  I  bow ; 

My  thoughts  no  more  repine. 

I  call  my  God  my  portion  now, 

And  all  my  pow'rs  are  thine. 

Hymn  86.  c.  m. 

1  T    ET  others  boast  how  strong  they  be, 
JLi   Nor  death  nor  danger  fear  ; 
While  we  confess,  O  Lord,  to  thee, 

What  feeble  things  we  are. 

2  Fresh  as  the  grass  our  bodies  stand, 

And  flourish  bright  and  gay : 
A  blasting  wind  sweeps  o'er  the  land, 
And  fades  the  grass  away. 

3  Our  life  contains  a  thousand  springs, 

And  dies  if  one  be  gone. 
Strange  !  that  a  harp  of  thousand  strings 
Should  keep  in  tune  so  long. 

4  But  'tis  our  God  supports  our  frame, 

The  God  that  form'd  us  first. 

Salvation  to  th'  almighty  name, 

That  rear'd  us  from  the  dust. 

5  While  we  have  breath,  or  life,  or  tongues, 

Our  Maker  we'll  adore. 
His  spirit  moves  our  heaving  lungs, 
Or  they  would  breathe  no  more. 

Hymn  87.  p.  m.  &.  &  4s. 

1  TTPWARD  I  lift  mine  eyes, 
vJ    From  God  is  all  my  aid ; 
The  God  who  built  the  skies, 
And  earth's  foundations  laid. 


64  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

God  is  the  tow'r, 
To  which  I  fly ; 
His  grace  is  nigh 

In  ev'ry  hour. 

2  My  feet  shall  never  slide 

Or  fall  in  fatal  snares ; 
Since  God,  my  guard  and  guide, 
Defends  me  from  my  fears. 
Those  wakeful  eyes, 
That  never  sleep, 
His  children  keep, 
When  dangers  rise. 

3  No  burning  heats  by  day, 

Nor  blasts  of  ev'ning  air, 
Shall  take  my  health  away, 
If  God  be  with  me  there. 
Thou  art  my  sun, 
And  thou  my  shade, 
To  guard  my  head 
By  night  or  noon. 

4  Hast  thou  not  giv'n  thy  word, 

To  save  my  soul  from  death  ? 
And  I  can  trust  the  Lord, 
To  keep  my  mortal  breath. 
I'll  go  and  come, 
Nor  fear  to  die, 
Till  from  on  high 
He  call  me  home. 

Hymn  88.  l.  m. 

1  fin  HEY,  that  have  made  their  refuge  God, 

JL  Shall  find  a  most  secure  abode; 
Shall  walk  all  day  beneath  his  shade, 
And  there  at  night  shall  rest  their  head. 

2  If  burning  beams  of  noon  conspire 
To  dart  a  pestilential  fire  : 


AND    GOVERNMENT.  65 

God  is  their  life ;  his  wings  are  spread, 
To  shield  them  'midst  ten  thousand  dead. 

3  If  vapours  with  malignant  breath 
Rise  thick,  and  scatter  midnight  death : 
Still  they  are  safe ;  the  poison' d  air 
Again  grows  pure,  if  God  be  there. 

4  But  if  the  fire,  or  plague,  or  sword, 
Receive  commission  from  the  Lord, 
To  strike  his  saints  among  the  rest : 
Their  very  pains  and  deaths  are  blest. 

5  The  sword,  the  pestilence,  or  fire, 
Shall  but  fulfil  their  best  desire ; 
From  sins  and  sorrows  set  them  free, 
And  bring  thy  children,  Lord  !  to  thee. 

Hymn  89.  c.  m. 

1  \  ND  art  thou  with  us,  gracious  Lord, 
IJl  To  dissipate  our  fear ? 
Dost  thou  proclaim  thyself  our  God, 

Our  God  for  ever  near  ? 

2  Doth  thy  right  hand,  which  form'd  the  earth, 
And  bears  up  all  the  skies, 

Stretch  from  on  high  its  friendly  aid, 
When  dangers  round  us  rise? 

And  wilt  thou  lead  our  weary  souls 

To  that  delightful  scene, 
Where  rivers  of  salvation  flow 

Through  pastures  ever  green? 

On  thy  support  our  souls  shall  lean, 

And  banish  ev'ry  care; 
The  gloomy  vale  of  death  will  smile, 

If  God  be  with  us  there. 

5  While  we  his  gracious  succour  prove, 
'Midst  all  our  various  ways, 


66  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

The  darkest  shades,  through  which  we  pass, 
Shall  echo  with  his  praise. 

Hymn  90.  p.  m.  &. 

1  f  ■  iHE  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare, 

JL     And  feed  me  with  a  shepherd's  care; 
His  presence  shall  my  wants  supply, 
And  guard  me  with  a  watchful  eye ; 
My  noon-day  walks  he  shall  attend, 
And  all  my  midnight  hours  defend. 

2  When  on  the  sultry  glebe  I  faint, 
Or  on  the  thirsty  mountain  pant; 
To  fertile  vales  and  dewy  meads 
My  weary  wand' ring  steps  he  leads, 
Where  peaceful  rivers,  soft  and  slow, 
Amid  the  verdant  landscape  flow. 

3  Though  iii  a  bare  and  rugged  way, 
Through  devious  lonely  wilds  I  stray; 
Thy  bounty  shall  my  pains  beguile, 
The  barren  wilderness  shall  smile, 
With  sudden  greens  and  herbage  crown' d, 
And  streams  shall  murmur  all  around. 

4  Though  in  the  paths  of  death  I  tread, 
With  gloomy  horrors  overspread ; 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  fear  no  ill, 
For  thou,  O  Lord,  art  with  me  still ; 
Thy  friendly  crook  shall  give  me  aid, 
And  guide  me  through  the  dreadful  shade. 

Hymn  91.  c.  m. 

1   OHINE  on  our  souls,  eternal  God! 
k3  With  rays  of  mercy  shine : 
O  let  thy  favour  crown  our  days, 
And  their  whole  course  be  thine. 


AM)    GOVERNMENT.  67 

2  Did  we  not  raise  our  hands  to  thee, 

Our  hands  might  toil  in  vain : 
Small  joy  success  itself  could  give, 
If  thou  thy  love  restain. 

3  !Tis  ours,  the  furrows  to  prepare, 

And  sow  the  precious  grain; 
:Tis  thine,  to  give  the  sun  and  air, 
And  to  command  the  rain. 

4  With  thee  let  ev'ry  week  begin, 

With  thee  each  day  be  spent, 
For  thee  each  fleeting  hour  improv'd, 
Since  each  by  thee  is  lent. 

5  Thus  cheer  us  through  this  toilsome  road, 

Till  all  our  labours  cease ; 
And  thus  prepare  our  weary  souls 
For  everlasting  peace. 

Hymn  92.  c.  m. 

In  travelling. 


H 


How  sure  is  their  defence ! 
Eternal  wisdom  is  their  guide, 
Their  help  omnipotence. 

2  In  foreign  realms  and  lands  remote, 

Supported  by  thy  care, 
They  pass  unhurt  through  burning  climes, 
And  breathe  in  tainted  air. 

3  Thy  mercy  sweetens  ev'ry  soil, 

Makes  ev'ry  region  please. 
The  hoary  frozen  hills  it  warms, 
And  smoothes  the  boist'rous  seas. 

4  Though  by  the  dreadful  tempest  toss'd, 

High  on  the  broken  wave, 
7 


68  DIVINE    PROVIDENCE 

They  know  thou  art  not  slow  to  hear, 
Nor  impotent  to  save. 

5  The  storm  is  laid,  the  winds  retire, 

Obedient  to  thy  will; 
The  sea,  that  roars  at  thy  command, 
At  thy  command  is  still. 

6  From  all  my  griefs  and  straits,  O  Lord ! 

Thy  mercy  sets  me  free ; 
Whilst  in  the  confidence  of  pray'r 
My  heart  takes  hold  on  thee. 

7  In  midst  of  dangers,  fears,  and  deaths, 

Thy  goodness  I'll  adore; 
And  praise  thee  for  thy  mercies  past, 
And  humbly  hope  for  more. 

8  My  life,  while  thou  preserv'st  my  life, 

Thy  sacrifice  shall  be; 
And,  oh  !  may  death,  when  death  shall  come, 
Unite  my  soul  to  thee  ! 

Hymn  93.  c.  m. 

In  a  thunder-storm. 

1  T"    ET  coward  guilt,  with  pallid  fear, 
JL  A   To  shelt'ring  caverns  fly; 

And  justly  dread  the  vengeful  fate, 
Which  thunders  through  the  sky : 

2  Protected  by  that  hand,  whose  law 

The  threat' ning  storms  obey, 
Intrepid  virtue  smiles  secure, 
As  in  the  blaze  of  day. 

3  In  the  thick  cloud's  tremendous  gloom, 

The  lightning's  horrid  glare, 
It  views  the  same  all-gracious  pow'r 
Which  breathes  the  vernal  air. 


GOVERNMENT.  G9 

4  Through  nature's  ever-varying  scene, 

By  different  ways  pursu'd, 
The  one  eternal  end  of  heav'n 
Is  universal  good. 

5  When,  through  creation's  vast  expanse, 

The  last  dread  thunders  roll, 
Untune  the  concord  of  the  spheres, 
And  shake  the  guilty  soul  : 

6  Unmov'd  may  we  the  final  storm 

Of  jarring  worlds  survey, 
That  ushers  in  the  tranquil  morn 
Of  an  eternal  day. 


V. 

MISSION  AND   NATIVITY  OF  CHRIST. 


Hymn  94.  c.  m. 

1  XJT^RK,  the  glad  sound,  the  Saviour  comes, 
-i-A  The  Saviour  promis'd  long! 

Let  ev:ry  heart  prepare  a  throne, 
And  ev*ry  voice  a  song. 

2  On  him  the  spirit,  largely  pourM, 

Exerts  his  sacred  fire; 
Wisdom,  and  might,  and  zeal,  and  love, 
His  holy  breast  inspire. 

3  He  comes  the  pris'ners  to  release, 

In  Satan's  bondage  held  : 
The  gates  of  brass  before  him  burst, 
The  iron  fetters  yield. 


70  MISSION    AND    NATIVITY 

4  He  comes,  from  thickest  films  of  vice 

To  clear  the  mental  ray ; 
And,  on  the  eyes,  oppress' d  with  night, 
To  pour  celestial  day. 

5  He  comes,  the  broken  heart  to  bind, 

The  bleeding  soul  to  cure, 
And,  with  the  treasures  of  his  grace, 
T'  enrich  the  humble  poor. 

6  Our  glad  hosannahs,  Prince  of  peace ! 

Thy  welcome  shall  proclaim; 
And  heav'n's  eternal  arches  ring 
With  thy  beloved  name. 

Hymn  95.  s.  m. 

1  XJ  AISE  your  triumphant  songs, 
JLV  To  an  immortal  tune. 

Let  the  wide  earth  resound  the  deeds 
Celestial  grace  has  done. 

2  Sing,  how  eternal  love 

Its  chief  beloved  chose, 
And  bade  him  raise  our  wretched  race 
From  their  abyss  of  woes. 

3  His  hand  no  thunder  bears  ; 

No  terror  clothes  his  brow ; 
No  bolts  to  drive  our  guilty  souls 
To  fiercer  flames  below. 

4  'Twas  mercy  fill'd  the  throne, 

No  wrath  stood  frowning  by, 
When  Christ  was  sent  with  pardon  down 
To  rebels  doom'd  to  die. 

5  Now,  sinners,  dry  your  tears ; 

Let  hopeless  sorrow  cease ; 
Bow  to  the  sceptre  of  his  love, 
And  take  the  offer' d  peace. 


OF    CHRIST.  71 

Hymn  96.  c.  m. 


1    f\^  Judah's  plains  as  shepherds  sat, 
V^   Watching  their  flocks  by  night, 
The  angel  of  the  Lord  appear1  d, 
Clad  in  celestial  light. 

2  Awe-struck  the  vision  they  regard, 

Appall'd  with  trembling  fear; 

When  thus  a  cherub-voice  divine 

Breath' d  sweetly  on  their  ear. 

3  "  Shepherds  of  Judah  !  cease  your  fears, 

And  calm  your  troubled  mind : 
Glad  tidings  of  great  joy  I  bring 
To  you  and  all  mankind. 

4  This  day  almighty  love  fulfils 

Its  great  eternal  word; 
This  day  is  born  in  Bethlehem 
A  Saviour,  Christ  the  Lord. 

5  There  shall  you  find  the  heav;nly  babe 

In  humblest  weeds  array' d  ; 
All  meanly  wrapp'd  in  swaddling  clothes, 
And  in  a  manger  laid.;' 

6  He  ceas'd.  and  sudden  all  around 

Appear' d  a  radiant  throng 
Of  angels,  praising  God,  and  thus 
Warbling  their  choral  song: 

7  "  Glory  to  God,  from  whom  on  high 

All-gracious  mercies  flow ! 
Who  sends  his  heavn-descended  peace 
To  dwell  with  man  below." 

Hymn  97.  p.  m, 

1   T-T^RK!  what  celestial  notes, 
XL   Wh  at  melody  we  hear! 
7* 


72  MISSION    AND    NATIVITY 

Soft  on  the  morn  it  floats, 
And  fills  the  ravish' d  ear. 
The  tuneful  shell, 
The  golden  lyre, 
And  vocal  choir 
The  concert  swell. 

2  Th'  angelic  hosts  descend, 

With  harmony  divine : 
See  how  from  heav'n  they  bend, 
And  in  full  chorus  join. 
Fear  not,  say  they, 
Great  joy  we  bring : 
Jesus,  your  King, 
Is  born  to  day. 

3  He  comes  from  error's  night 

Your  wand' ring  feet  to  save; 
To  realms  of  bliss  and  light 
He  lifts  you  from  the  grave. 
This  glorious  morn, 
(Let  all  attend !) 
Your  matchless  friend, 
Your  Saviour's  born. 

4  Glory  to  God  on  high ! 

Ye  mortals,  spread  the  sound, 
And  let  your  raptures  fly 
To  earth's  remotest  bound: 
For  peace  on  earth, 
From  God  in  heav'n, 
To  man  is  giv'n, 
At  Jesus'  birth. 

Hymn  98.  c.  m. 

1  TTIGH  let  us  swell  our  tuneful  notes, 
XJL  And  join  th'  angelic  throng ; 
For  angels  no  such  love  have  known, 
T'  awake  a  cheerful  song. 


OF    CHRIST.  73 

2  Good  will  to  guilty  men  is  shewn, 

And  peace  on  earth  is  giv'n : 
For,  lo  !  th'  incarnate  Saviour  comes, 
With  messages  from  heav?n. 

3  Justice  and  grace,  with  sweet  accord, 

His  rising  beams  adorn : 
Let  heavn  and  earth  in  concert  join, 
Now  such  a  child  is  bom. 

4  Glory  to  God,  in  highest  strains, 

In  highest  worlds  be  paid  ! 

His  glory  by  our  lips  proclaim' d, 

And  by  our  lives  display ;d  ! 

5  When  shall  we  reach  those  blissful  realms, 

Where  Christ  exalted  reigns, 

And  learn  of  the  celestial  choir 

Their  own  immortal  strains  % 


Hy3ix  99.  c. 


:\r. 


J 


"OY  to  the  world ;  the  Lord  is  come  ! 
Let  earth  receive  her  King. 
Let  ev;ry  heart  prepare  him  room, 
And  heavn  and  nature  sing. 

2  Joy  to  the  earth  :  the  Saviour  reigns  ! 

Let  men  their  songs  employ; 
While  fields  and  floods,  rocks,  hills,  and  plains, 
Repeat  the  sounding  joy. 

3  No  more  let  sins  and  sorrows  grow, 

Nor  thorns  infest  the  grouncT. 
He  comes  to  make  his  blessings  flow 
Far  as  the  curse  is  found. 

4  He  rules  the  world  with  truth  and  grace, 

And  makes  the  nations  prove 
The  glories  of  his  righteousness, 
And  wunders  of  his  love. 


74  mission  and  nativity 

Hymn  100.  l.  m. 

1  XTTELCOME  the  hope  of  Israel's  race 

T  T      The  messenger  of  truth  and  grace ! 
Your  hearts  in  righteousness  prepare ; 
Behold  your  wish'd  redemption  near  ! 

2  See  glory  bursting  from  the  skies, 
O'er  Judah's  land  effulgent  rise ; 
And  fix  amidst  her  coasts  its  seat, 
Where  justice,  truth,  and  mercy  meet : 

3  While  faith  and  hope,  their  offspring  dear, 
Attendant  on  their  steps  appear ; 

And  join'd  in  friendly  compact  move, 
Bless'd  with  philanthropy  and  love. 

4  Truth  in  thy  lands,  O  earth  !  shall  spring ; 
And  righteousness,  her  healing  wing 
Expanding,  downward  cast  her  eye ; 

While  heav'n's  great  Monarch,  from  on  high, 

5  The  heathen  gloom  shall  chase  away, 
And  usher  in  a  glorious  day ; 

And  from  his  own  propitious  will 
The  promis'd  grace  to  man  fulfil. 

Hymn  101.  l.  m. 

1  X)  RAISE  ye  the  Lord,  who  reigns  above, 
JL     Fix'd  on  his  throne  of  truth  and  love: 
Behold  the  finger  of  his  pow'r; 
Contemplate,  wonder,  and  adore. 

2  When  man,  debas'd  and  guilty  man, 
From  crime  to  crime  with  madness  ran ; 
Well  might  his  arm  its  thunders  launch, 
And  blast  th'  ungrateful,  root  and  branch. 

3  But  clemency  with  justice  strove, 
To  save  the  people  of  his  love. 


OF    CHRIST.  75 

"  Go,  my  beloved  Son  !"  he  cried, 

"Be  thou  their  Saviour,  thou  their  guide." 

4  The  eastern  star  with  glory  streams  ■ 
It  comes,  with  healing  on  its  beams. 
Dark  mists  of  error  fleet  away, 

And  Judah  hails  the  rising  day. 

5  His  sacred  memory  we  bless, 
Whose  holy  gospel  we  profess ; 

And  praise  that  great  Almighty  name, 
*rom  whom  such  light  and  favour  came. 

Hymn  102.  l.  m. 

1  T^0  those  who  fear  and  trust  the  Lord, 

_*_     His  mercy  stands  for  ever  sure. 
b  rom  age  to  age  his  promise  lives, 
And  the  performance  is  secure.' 

2  He  spake  to  Abr'am  and  his  seed: 

"In  thee  shall  all  the  world  be  bless1  d'" 
Ihe  mem  ry  of  that  ancient  word 
Lay  long  in  his  eternal  breast. 

3  But  now  no  more  shall  Israel  waif 

No  more  the  Gentiles  lie  forlorn.' 
L.o.  the  desire  of  nations  comes; 
Behold!  the  promis'd  seed  is  born. 


'S 


Hymn  103.  p.  M.  7s. 

ONS  of  Adam !  join  to  raise 
£r    "MS*  of  gratitude  and  praise. 
Emulate  the  choirs  above- 
Celebrate  eternal  love. 

2  Endless  ages  saw  the  scheme  ; 
bndless  ages  sang  the  theme: 
Man,  in  God's  own  image  made, 
Honour,  glory,  on  his  head. 


76  MISSION    AND    NATIVITY 

3  Raptur'd,  all  the  sons  of  light 
Hail'd  the  moment,  mercy  bright, 
When  to  Jesus,  Lord  from  heav'n, 
Thus  the  glorious  charge  was  giv'n : 

4  "  Go,  proclaim  Jehovah's  grace  ; 
Fear  destroy,  and  guilt  efface ; 
Conquer  death,  unbar  the  grave  : 
Lo  !  thy  work — the  world  to  save.': 

5  Speak  your  pleasures,  happy  race, 
Objects  of  your  Father's  grace  ! 
All  the  family  of  earth 

Glory  in  your  Saviour's  birth  ! 

Hymn  104.  p.  m. 

1  /^i  IVE  thanks  to  God  most  high, 
VJT  The  universal  Lord, 

The  sov' reign  King  of  kings; 
And  be  his  grace  ador'd. 
His  pow'r  and  grace 
Are  still  the  same  ; 
And  let  his  name 
Have  endless  praise. 

2  He  saw  the  nations  lie 

All  perishing  in  sin, 
And  pitied  the  sad  state 
The  ruin'd  world  was  in. 
Thy  mercy,  Lord, 
Shall  still  endure; 
And  ever  sure 
Abides  thy  word. 

3  He  sent  his  only  Son 

To  save  us  from  our  wo, 
From  Satan,  sin,  and  death, 
And  ev'ry  hurtful  foe. 


OF    CHRIST.  77 


His  pow'r  and  grace 
Are  still  the  same; 
And  let  his  name 

Have  endless  praise. 

4  Give  thanks  aloud  to  God, 
To  God  the  heav'nly  King; 
And  let  the  spacious  earth 
His  works  and  glories  sing. 
Thy  mercy,  Lord, 
Shall  still  endure; 
And  ever  sure 
Abides  thy  word. 


VI. 

OFFICE  AND  MEDIATION  OF  CHRIST. 


Hymn  105.  l.  m. 

1  TMMORTAL  God  !  on  thee  we  call, 
A.  The  great  original  of  all. 

From  thee  we  are,  to  thee  we  tend, 
Our  sure  support,  our  glorious  end. 

2  We  praise  that  wise,  that  wondrous  grace, 
That  pitied  our  revolted  race, 

And  Jesus,  our  victorious  head, 
The  captain  of  salvation  made. 

3  He,  thine  eternal  love  decreed, 
Should  many  sons  to  glory  lead : 
And  sinful  worms  to  him  are  giv'n, 
A  colony  to  people  heav'n. 


78  OFFICE    AND    MEDIATION 

4  Jesus  for  us  (O  gracious  name  !) 
Encounter' d  agony  and  shame ; 
Jesus,  the  glorious  and  the  great, 
Was  by  dire  sufF  rings  made  complete. 

5  A  scene  of  wonders  here  we  see, 
Worthy  thy  Son,  and  worthy  thee ; 

And,  while  this  theme  employs  our  tongues, 
All  heav'n  unites  its  sweetest  songs. 

Hymn  106.  l.  m. 

1  f  ■  lH'  eternal  Sov' reign  from  on  high 

JL     Cast  on  the  sons  of  men  his  eye, 
To  see,  if  any  understood, 
And  fear'd,  and  lov'd  their  Maker,  God. 

2  But  all  were  so  degen'rate  grown, 
None  the  true  God  had  fully  known ; 
Both  Jew  and  Gentile  long  had  been 
By  lust  enslav'd,  and  dead  in  sin. 

3  Both  gone  from  wisdom's  path  astray, 
Pursu'd  the  errors  of  their  way, 
With  dismal  superstition  blind ; 

And  causeless  terrors  fill'd  their  mind. 

4  Who,  gracious  God !  to  sinners'  eyes 
Could  bid  the  wish'd  salvation  rise? 
Thy  Son  did  light  and  truth  display, 
And  turn  their  darkness  into  day. 

5  No  flesh  shall  boast  of  righteousness, 
But  guilty  shall  themselves  confess ; 
And,  when  they  hear  thy  pard'ning  voice, 
In  thy  salvation  shall  rejoice. 


B 


Hymn  107.  l.  m. 

EHOLD,  the  blind  their  sight  receive ! 
Behold,  the  dead  awake  and  live ! 


of  ciirist.  79 

The  dumb  speak  wonders,  and  the  lame 
Leap  like  the  hart,  and  bless  his  name, 

2  Thus  doth  th'  eternal  Spirit  own 
And  seal  the  mission  of  the  Son; 
The  Father  vindicates  his  cause, 
While  he  hangs  bleeding  on  the  cross. 

3  He  dies;  the  heav'ns  in  mourning  stood: 
He  rises,  and  appears  a  God. 

Behold  the  Lord  ascending  high, 
No  more  to  bleed,  no  more  to  die. 

4  Hence,  and  for  ever,  from  my  heart 
I  bid  my  doubts  and  fears  depart; 
And  to  those  hands  my  soul  resign, 
Which  bear  credentials  so  divine. 

Hymn  108.  l.  m. 

1  "¥T7"HAT  works  of  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  love, 

f  f      Do  Jesus'  high  commission  prove ! 
Attest  his  heav'n-derived  claim, 
And  glorify  his  Father's  name ! 

2  On  eyes  that  never  saw  the  day, 
He  pours  the  bright  celestial  ray ; 
And  deafen  d  ears,  by  him  unbound, 
Catch  all  the  harmony  of  sound. 

3  Lameness  takes  up  its  bed,  and  goes 
Rejoicing  in  the  strength  that  flows 
Through  ev;ry  nerve;  and,  free  from  pain, 
Pours  forth  to  God  the  grateful  strain. 

4  The  shatter'd  mind  his  word  restores, 
And  tunes  afresh  the  mental  powers; 
The  dead  revive,  to  life  return, 

And  bid  affection  cease  to  mourn. 

5  Canst  thou,  my  soul,  these  wonders  trace, 
And  not  admire  Jehovah's  grace? 

8 


80  OFFICE    AND    MEDIATION 

Canst  thou  behold  thy  Saviour's  pow'r, 
And  not  believe,  obey,  adore  1 

Hymn  109.  l.  m. 

1  r¥l  O  thee,  O  God !  we  homage  pay, 

X.     Source  of  the  light  that  rules  the  day ! 
Who,  while  he  gilds  all  nature's  frame, 
Reflects  thy  rays,  and  speaks  thy  name. 

2  In  louder  strains  we  sing  that  grace, 
Which  gives  the  sun  of  righteousness, 
Whose  nobler  light  salvation  brings, 
And  scatters  healing  from  his  wings. 

3  Still  on  our  hearts  may  Jesus  shine 
With  beams  of  light  and  love  divine  ! 
Quicken' d  by  him,  our  souls  shall  live, 
And,  cheer' d  by  him,  shall  grow  and  thrive. 

4  O  may  his  glories  stand  confess' d, 
From  north  to  south,  from  east  to  west ; 
Successful  may  his  gospel  run. 

Wide  as  the  circuit  of  the  sun. 

5  When  shall  that  radiant  scene  arise, 
When,  fix'd  on  high,  in  purer  skies, 
Christ  all  his  lustre  shall  display 

On  all  his  saints  through  endless  day ! 

Hymn  110.  l.  m. 

1  T  1 1 HOU,  Lord,  by  mortal  eyes  unseen, 

_I_     And  by  thy  offspring  here  unknown, 
To  manifest  thyself  to  men, 

Hast  set  thine  image  in  thy  Son. 

2  As  the  bright  sun's  meridian  blaze 

O'erwhelms  and  pains  our  feeble  sight, 
But  cheers  us  with  his  softer  rays, 
When  shining  with  reflected  light ; 


OF    CHRIST.  81 

3  So,  in  thy  Son,  thy  pow'r  divine, 

Thy  wisdom,  justice,  truth,  and  love, 
With  mild  and  pleasing  lustre  shine, 
Reflected  from  thy  throne  above. 

4  Though  Jews,  who  granted  not  his  claim, 

Contemptuous  turrid  away  their  face; 
Yet  those,  who  trusted  in  his  name, 
Beheld  in  him  thy  truth  and  grace. 

5  O  thou !  at  whose  almighty  word 

Fair  light  at  first  from  darkness  shone, 
Teach  us  to  know  our  glorious  Lord, 
And  trace  the  Father  in  the  Son. 

6  While  we  thine  image,  here  display' d, 

With  love  and  admiration  view; 
Form  us  in  likeness  to  our  head, 
That  we  may  bear  thine  image  too. 

Hymn  111.  s.  m. 

1  TTOW  beauteous  are  their  feet, 
JlX  Who  stand  on  Zion's  hill ! 
Who  bring  salvation  on  their  tongues, 

And  words  of  peace  reveal. 

2  How  charming  is  their  voice ! 

How  sweet  the  tidings  are ! 
"Zion,  behold  thy  Saviour  King; 
"He  reigns  and  triumphs  here." 

3  How  happy  are  our  ears, 

That  hear  this  joyful  sound, 
Which  kings  and  prophets  waited  for, 
And  sought,  but  never  found  ! 

4  How  blessed  are  our  eyes, 

That  see  this  heav'nly  light ! 
Prophets  and  kings  desir'd  it  long, 
But  died  without  the  sight. 


82  OFFICE    AND    MEDIATION 

5  The  watchmen  join  their  voice, 

And  tuneful  notes  employ ; 

Jerusalem  breaks  forth  in  songs, 

And  deserts  learn  the  joy. 

6  The  Lord  makes  bare  his  arm 

Through  all  the  earth  abroad ; 
Let  ev'ry  nation  now  behold 
Their  Saviour  and  their  God. 


B 


Hymn  112.  s.  m. 

EHOLD,  the  Prince  of  peace  ! 
The  chosen  of  the  Lord, 
God's  well-beloved  Son,  fulfils 
The  sure  prophetic  word. 

2  No  royal  pomp  adorns 

This  king  of  righteousness  : 
Meekness  and  patience,  truth  and  love, 
Compose  his  princely  dress. 

3  Jesus,  thou  light  of  men ! 

Thy  doctrine  life  imparts. 
O  may  we  feel  its  quick' ning  pow'r 
To  warm  and  glad  our  hearts  ! 

4  Cheer' d  by  its  beams,  our  souls 

Shall  run  the  heav'nly  way. 
The  path,  which  Christ  unwearied  trod, 
Will  lead  to  endless  day. 

Hymn  113.  l.  m. 

1  IVfOW  to  the  Lord  a  noble  song ! 

JL  1    Awake  my  soul,  awake  my  tongue. 
Hosannah  to  th'  eternal  name, 
And  all  his  boundless  love  proclaim. 

2  See  where  it  shines  in  Jesus'  face, 
The  brightest  image  of  his  grace  ! 


OF    CHRIST.  S3 

God,  iii  the  person  of  his  Son. 
Has  all  his  noblest  works  outdone. 

3  The  spacious  earth  and  spreading  flood 
Proclaim  the  wise  and  pow'rful  God; 
And  thy  rich  glories,  from  afar, 
Sparkle  in  ev'ry  rolling  star. 

4  But  in  thy  Son  a  glory  shines, 
Drawn  out  in  far  superior  lines ; 
The  lustre  of  redeeming  grace 
Outshines  the  beams  of  nature's  face. 

5  Grace  !  'tis  a  sweet,  a  charming  theme; 
My  thoughts  rejoice  at  Jesus'  name. 
Ye  angels,  dwell  upon  the  sound  ! 

Ye  heav'ns,  reflect  it  to  the  ground ! 

6  O  may  I  reach  that  happy  place ; 
Where  he  unveils  his  lovely  face ! 
Where  all  his  saints,  from  death  restor'd, 
Shall  be  forever  with  the  Lord. 


J 


Hymn  114.  p.  ig. 

01 X  all  the  glorious  names 
Of  wisdom,  love,  and  pow'r, 
That  ever  mortals  knew, 
That  angels  ever  bore : 
All  are  too  mean 
To  speak  his  worth; 

Too  mean  to  set 
My  Saviour  forth. 

But  O,  what  gentle  terms, 

WThat  condescending  ways, 
Doth  our  Redeemer  use, 

To  teach  his  heav'nly  grace! 
Mine  eyes  with  joy 
And  wonder  see, 

What  forms  of  love 
He  bears  for  me. 
8* 


84  OFFICE    AND    MEDIATION 

3  Array' d  in  mortal  flesh, 

He  like  an  angel  stands, 
And  holds  the  promises 
And  pardons  in  his  hands; 
Commission' d  from 
His  Father's  throne, 

To  make  his  grace 
To  mortals  known. 

4  Great  Prophet  of  my  God ! 

My  tongue  would  bless  thy  name. 
By  thee  the  joyful  news 
Of  our  salvation  came : 
The  joyful  news 
Of  sin  forgiv'n, 

Of  hell  subdu'd, 
And  peace  with  heav'n. 

Hymn  115.  p.m. 

1  T^TITH  ecstacy  of  joy 

▼  ?      Extol  his  glorious  name, 
Who  rear'd  the  spacious  earth, 
And  rais'd  our  mortal  frame. 
He  built  the  church, 
Who  spread  the  sky : 

Shout  and  exalt 
His  honours  high. 

2  See  the  foundation  laid 

By  pow'r  and  love  divine; 
Jesus,  his  first-born  Son, 

How  bright  his  glories  shine ! 
Low  he  descends, 
In  dust  he  lies, 

That  from  his  tomb 
A  church  might  rise. 

3  But  he  for  ever  lives, 

Nor  for  himself  alone; 


OF    CHRIST.  85 

Each  saint  new  life  derives 
From  him,  the  living  stone. 
His  influence  spreads 
Through  ev'ry  soul, 
And  in  one  house 
Unites  the  whole. 

4  To  him  with  joy  we  move ; 
In  him  cemented  stand; 
The  living  temple  grows. 

And  owns  the  founders  hand. 
That  structure,  Lord, 
Still  higher  raise, 

Louder  to  sound 
Its  builder's  praise. 

Hymn  116.  p.  m.  8s. 

1  \^7" E  sing  the  wise,  the  gracious  plan, 

TT     Which  God  devis'd,  ere  time  began, 
At  length  disclos'd  in  all  its  light; 
We  bless  the  wondrous  birth  of  love, 
Which  beams  around  us  from  above, 
With  grace  so  free  and  hope  so  bright. 

2  Here  has  the  wise  eternal  mind 

In  Christ,  their  common  head,  conjoin' d 
Gentiles  and  Jews,  and  earth  and  heav'n. 

Through  him,  from  the  great  Father's  throne, 

Rivers  of  bliss  come  rolling  down, 
And  endless  peace  and  life  are  giv'n. 

3  No  more  the  awful  cherubs  guard 
The  tree  of  life  with  flaming  sword, 

To  drive  afar  man's  trembling  race. 
At  Salem's  pearly  gates  they  stand, 
And  smiling  wait,  a  friendly  band, 

To  welcome  strangers  to  the  place. 

4  While  we  expect  that  glorious  sight, 
Love  shall  our  hearts  with  theirs  unite, 


86  OFFICE    AND    MEDIATION 

And  ardent  hope  our  bosoms  raise. 
From  earth's  low  cottages  of  clay, 
To  those  resplendent  realms  of  day, 

We'll  try  to  send  the  sounding  praise. 


'S 


Hymn  117.  c.  m. 

ALVATION,  O  the  joyful  sound! 
'Tis  music  to  our  ears; 
A  sov' reign  balm  for  ev'ry  wound, 
A  cordial  for  our  fears. 

2  Buried  in  sorrow  and  in  sin, 

At  hell's  dark  door  we  lay : 
But  we  arise  by  grace  divine, 
To  see  a  heav'nly  day. 

3  Salvation !  let  the  echo  fly 

The  spacious  earth  around; 

While  all  the  armies  of  the  sky 

Conspire  to  raise  the  sound. 

CHORUS. 

Glory,  honour,  praise,  and  power, 
Be  unto  the  Lamb  for  ever ! 

Jesus  Christ  is  our  Redeemer ! 
Hallelujah !  praise  the  Lord ! 

Hymn  118.  l.  m. 

1  \  LL-glorious  God  !  what  hymns  of  praise 
JTjL  Shall  our  transported  voices  raise? 
What  ardent  love  and  zeal  are  due, 

While  heav'n  stands  open  to  our  view ! 

2  Once  we  were  fall'n,  and  0  how  low ! 
Just  on  the  brink  of  hopeless  wo ! 
When  Jesus,  from  the  realms  above, 
Borne  on  the  wings  of  boundless  love, 


OF    CHRIST.  87 

3  Scatter' d  the  shades  of  death  and  night, 
And  spread  around  his  heav'nly  light. 
By  him  what  wondrous  grace  is  shown 
To  souls  impov'rish'd  and  undone! 

4  Far,  far  beyond  these  mortal  shores, 
A  bright  inheritance  is  ours; 
Where  saints  in  light  our  coming  wait, 
To  share  their  holy  happy  state. 

Hymn  119.  p.  m.  &. 

1  "T^^TOW  I  have  found  the  ground  wherein 
-L^i    Sure  my  soul's  anchor  may  remain: 
The  love  of  God  forgiving  sin, 

Through  Jesus  crucified  and  slain. 

His  mercy  shall  unshaken  stay, 

When  heav'n  and  earth  have  pass'd  away. 

2  Father !  thine  everlasting  grace 
Our  scanty  thought  surpasses  far ; 
Thy  heart  still  melts  with  tenderness, 
Thine  arms  of  love  still  open  are ; 

And  Jesus'  blood,  through  earth  and  skies, 
Mercy,  free,  boundless  mercy,  cries. 

3  Though  waves  and  storms  go  o'er  my  head, 
Though  strength  and  health  and  friends  be  gone, 
Though  joys  be  wither'd  all  and  dead, 
Though  ev  ry  comfort  be  withdrawn  : 

On  this  my  steadfast  soul  relies, 
Father,  thy  mercy  never  dies. 

4  Fix'd  on  this  ground  will  I  remain, 
Though  my  heart  fail  and  strensrth  decay. 
This  anchor  shall  my  soul  sustain, 
When  earth's  foundations  melt  away. 
Mercy's  full  pow'r  I  then  shall  prove, 
Lov'd  with  an  everlasting  love. 


88  OFFICE    AND    MEDIATION 

Hymn  120.  p.  m.  ss  &  7«. 


O 


Well  deserves  the  name  of  friend; 
His  is  love  beyond  a  brother's, 

Costly,  free,  and  knows  no  end. 
They  who  his  salvation  prove, 
Find  it  everlasting  love. 

2  Which  of  all  our  friends,  to  save  us, 

Could  or  would  have  shed  his  blood  ? 
But  this  Saviour  died  to  have  us 

Reconcil'd  in  him  to  God. 
It  was  boundless  love,  to  bleed : 
Jesus  is  a  friend  indeed. 

3  When  he  liv'd  on  earth  abased, 

Friend  of  sinners,  was  his  name : 
Now,  above  all  glory  raised, 

He  rejoices  in  the  same. 
Still  he  calls  them  brethren,  friends, 
And  to  all  their  wants  attends. 

4  Oh  !  for  grace  our  hearts  to  soften  ! 

Teach  us,  Lord,  at  length  to  love. 
We,  alas  !  forget  too  often, 

What  a  friend  we  have  above. 
When  to  heav'n  our  souls  are  brought, 
We  will  love  thee  as  we  ought. 

Hymn  121.  p.  m.  7»: 

1  TVT^^  begin  the  heav'nly  theme, 
JL  ll    Sing  aloud  in  Jesus'  name  ! 
Ye,  who  his  salvation  prove, 
Triumph  in  redeeming  love. 

2  Ye,  who  see  the  Father's  grace, 
Beaming  in  the  Saviour's  face, 
As  to  heav'n  ye  onward  move, 
Triumph  in  redeeming  love. 


OF    CHRIST.  89 

3  Mourning  souls  !  dry  up  your  tears; 
Banish  all  }'Our  guilty  fears. 

See  your  guilt  and  care  remove, 
Cancelld  by  redeeming  love. 

4  Ye.  alas  !  who  long  have  been 
Willing  slaves  of  death  and  sin! 
Now  from  bliss  no  longer  rove ; 
Stop,  and  taste  redeeming  love. 

5  Christ  subdu'd  th'  infernal  pow'rs; 
His  tremendous  foes,  and  ours, 
From  their  cursed  empire  drove, 
Mighty  in  redeeming  love. 

6  Hither,  then,  your  music  bring  ; 
Strike  aloud  the  joyful  string. 
Mortals  !  join  the  host  above, 
Join  to  praise  redeeming  love. 

Hymn  122.  p.  m.  7a. 

1  /^  OME,  said  Jesus'  sacred  voice, 

\^y   Come,  and  make  my  paths  your  choice : 
I  will  guide  you  to  your  home  ! 
Weary  pilgrim,  hither  come  ! 

2  Thou,  who,  houseless,  sole,  forlorn, 
Long  hast  borne  the  proud  world's  scorn, 
Long  hast  roam'd  the  barren  waste; 
Weary  pilgrim,  hither  haste  ! 

3  Ye,  who,  toss'd  on  beds  of  pain, 
Seek  for  ease,  but  seek  in  vain : 
Ye,  whose  swol'n  and  sleepless  eyes 
Watch  to  see  the  morning  rise : 

4  Ye,  by  fiercer  anguish  torn, 

Guilt,  in  strong  remorse,  who  mourn : 
Here  repose  your  heavy  care  : 
Conscience  wounded  who  can  bear  ? 


90  OFFICE    AND    MEDIATION 

5  Sinner,  come  !  for  here  is  found 
Balm  that  flows  for  ev'ry  wound; 
Peace  that  ever  shall  endure ; 
Rest  eternal,  sacred,  sure. 

Hymn  123.  s.  m. 

1  1       ET  ev'ry  ear  attend, 
JLj   And  ev'ry  heart  rejoice; 
The  trumpet  of  the  gospel  sounds, 

With  an  inviting  voice. 

2  Ho !  all  ye  starving  souls, 

That  feed  upon  the  wind, 
And  vainly  strive  with  earthly  toys 
To  fill  an  empty  mind  : 

3  Here  wisdom  has  prepar'd 

A  soul-reviving  feast, 
And  bids  your  longing  appetites 
The  rich  provision  taste. 

4  Ho !  ye  that  pant  for  streams, 

And  pine  away  and  die  : 
Here  you  may  quench  your  raging  thirst, 
With  springs  that  never  dry. 

5  Rivers  of  mercy  here 

In  a  rich  ocean  join ; 
Salvation  in  abundance  flows, 
Like  floods  of  milk  and  wine. 

6  The  gates  of  gospel  grace 

Stand  open  night  and  day : 
Lord  !  we  are  come  to  seek  supplies, 
And  drive  our  wants  away. 


'C 


Hymn  124.  l.  m. 

OME  hither,  all  ye  weary  souls ! 
Ye  heavy-laden  sinners  !  come : 


OF    CHRIST.  91 

I'll  give  you  rest  from  all  your  toils, 
And  raise  you  to  my  heav'nly  home." 

2  "  They  shall  find  rest,  that  learn  of  me ; 

I'm  of  a  meek  and  lowly  mind  : 
But  passion  rages  like  the  sea, 

And  pride  is  restless  as  the  wind." 

3  "Bless"  d  is  the  man,  whose  shoulders  take 

My  yoke,  and  bear  it  with  delight  ! 
My  yoke  is  easy  to  his  neck ; 

My  grace  shall  make  the  burden  light." 

4  Jesus  !  we  come  at  thy  command, 

With  faith,  and  hope,  and  humble  zeal; 
Resign  our  spirits  to  thy  hand, 

To  mould  and  guide  us  at  thy  will. 

Hymn  125.  l.  m. 

1  /^i  OME,  weary  souls,  with  sin  distrest, 
\y  Come,  and  accept  the  promis'd  rest; 
The  Saviour's  gracious  call  obey, 

And  cast  your  gloomy  fears  away. 

2  Oppress  d  with  guilt,  a  painml  load, 

O  come,  and  spread  your  woes  abroad. 
Divine  compassion,  mighty  love 
Will  all  the  painful  load  remove. 

3  Here  mercy's  boundless  ocean  flows, 

To  cleanse  your  guilt  and  heal  your  woes ; 
Pardon,  and  life,  and  endless  peace ; 
How  rich  the  gift  !  how  free  the  grace  ! 

4  Lord,  we  accept,  with  thankful  heart, 
The  hope  thy  gracious  words  impart. 
We  come  with  trembling,  yet  rejoice, 
And  bless  thy  kind  inviting  voice. 

9 


92        office  and  mediation 
Hymn  126.  cm. 

1  r  I  lHE  Saviour  calls ;  let  ev'ry  ear 

JL     Attend  the  heav'nly  sound. 
Ye  doubting  souls !  dismiss  your  fear ; 
Hope  smiles  reviving  round. 

2  For  ev'ry  thirsty  longing  heart, 

Here  streams  of  bounty  flow ; 
And  life,  and  health,  and  bliss  impart, 
To  banish  mortal  wo. 

3  Here  springs  of  sacred  pleasure  rise, 

To  ease  your  ev'ry  pain  : 
Immortal  fountain  !  full  supplies ! 
Nor  shall  you  thirst  in  vain. 

4  Ye  sinners!  come,  'tis  mercy's  voice; 

The  gracious  call  obey. 
Mercy  invites  to  heav'nly  joys  : — 
And  can  you  yet  delay? 

5  Dear  Saviour !  draw  reluctant  hearts ; 

To  thee  let  sinners  fly ; 
And  take  the  bliss  thy  love  imparts, 
And  drink,  and  never  die. 

Hymn  127.  c  m. 

1  r  1 1  HE  King  of  heav'n  his  table  spreads, 

JL     And  dainties  crown  the  board. 
Not  all  the  boasted  joys  of  earth 
Could  such  delight  afford. 

2  Pardon  and  peace  to  dying  men, 

And  endless  life  are  giv'n ; 
And  the  rich  blood,  which  Jesus  shed, 
To  raise  the  soul  to  heav'n. 

3  Ye  hungry  poor,  who  long  have  stray'd 

In  sin's  Aark  rrm-zps    rrrnifi1 


_ O    ^     l — "' J         — o 

In  sin's  dark  mazes,  come: 


OF    CHRIST.  93 


Come  from  the  hedges  and  highways, 
And  grace  will  find  you  room. 

4  Thousands  of  souls,  in  glory  now, 

Were  fed  and  feasted  here; 
And  thousands  more,  still  on  the  way, 
Around  the  board  appear. 

5  Yet  is  his  house  and  heart  so  large, 

That  thousands  more  may  come ; 
Nor  could  the  wide  assembling  world 
O'erfill  the  spacious  room. 

6  All  things  are  ready :  enter  in, 

Nor  weak  excuses  frame. 
Come,  take  your  places  at  the  feast, 
And  bless  the  Founder's  name. 


VII 

EXAMPLE   OF   CHRIST. 


Hymn  128.  l. 


M. 


1  1VTY  dear  Redeemer,  and  my  Lord! 
LTJL  I  read  my  duty  in  thy  word  : 

But  in  thy  life  the  law  appears, 
Drawn  out  in  living  characters. 

2  Such  was  thy  truth,  and  such  thy  zeal, 
Such  def'rence  to  thy  Father's  will, 
Thy  love  and  meekness  so  divine, 

I  would  transcribe  and  make  them  mine. 

3  Cold  mountains  and  the  midnight  air 
Witness'd  the  fervour  of  thy  prayr: 


94  EXAMPLE    OF    CHRIST. 

The  desert  thy  temptations  knew, 
Thy  conflict,  and  thy  vict'ry  too! 

4  Be  thou  my  pattern;  let  me  bear 
More  of  thy  gracious  image  here. 
Then  God  the  Judge  shall  own  my  name 
Among  the  fol'wers  of  the  Lamb. 

Hymn  129.  l.  m. 

1  \  ND  is  the  gospel  peace  and  love? 
JTJL  Such  let  our  conversation  be  ; 
The  serpent  blended  with  the  dove, 

Wisdom  and  meek  simplicity. 

2  Whene'er  the  angry  passions  rise, 

And  tempt  our  thoughts  or  tongues  to  strife, 
On  Jesus  let  us  fix  our  eyes, 

Bright  pattern  of  the  Christian  life. 

3  O  how  benevolent  and  kind  ! 

How  mild !  how  ready  to  forgive ! 
Be  this  the  temper  of  our  mind, 

And  these  the  rules  by  which  we  live. 

4  To  do  his  heav'nly  Father's  will, 

Was  his  employment  and  delight : 
Humility  and  holy  zeal 

Shone  through  his  life  divinely  bright. 

5  Dispensing  good  where'er  he  came, 

The  labours  of  his  life  were  love. 
If  then  we  love  the  Saviour's  name, 
Let  his  divine  example  move ! 


Hymn  130.  c.  m. 

EHOLD,  where  in  a  mortal  form 
Appears  each  grace  divine ! 
The  virtues,  all  in  Jesus  met, 
With  mildest  radiance  shine. 


B 


EXAMPLE    OF    CHRIST.  95 

2  To  spread  the  rays  of  heav'nly  light, 

To  give  the  mourner  joy, 
To  preach  glad  tidings  to  the  poor, 
Was  his  divine  employ. 

3  Lowly  in  heart,  to  all  his  friends 

A  friend  and  servant  found, 
He  wash'd  their  feet,  he  wip'd  their  tears, 
And  heal'd  each  bleeding  wound. 

4  'Midst  keen  reproach  and  cruel  scorn, 

Patient  and  meek  he  stood. 
His  foes,  ungrateful,  sought  his  life ; 
He  labour' d  for  their  good. 

5  To  God  he  left  his  righteous  cause, 

And  still  his  task  pursu'd; 
While,  humble  pray'r  and  holy  faith 
His  fainting  strength  renew' d. 

6  In  the  last  hours  of  deep  distress, 

Before  his  Father1  s  throne, 
With  soul  resign' d  he  bow'd,  and  said, 
"  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done  ! " 

7  Be  Christ  our  pattern  and  our  guide ! 

His  image  may  we  bear ! 

O  may  we  tread  his  holy  steps, 

His  joy  and  glory  share  ! 

Hymn  131.  l.  m. 

1  TX7~HEN  Jesus  dwelt  in  mortal  clay, 

T  T      What  were  his  works  from  day  to  day, 
But  miracles  of  pow'r  and  grace, 
Which  spread  salvation  through  our  race? 

2  Teach  us,  O  Lord  !  to  keep  in  view 
Thy  pattern,  and  thy  steps  pursue. 
Let  alms  bestow' d,  let  kindness  done 
Be  witii'.ss'd  by  each  rolling  sun. 

9* 


96  EXAMPLE    OF    CHRIST. 

3  That  man  may  last,  but  never  lives, 
Who  much  receives,  but  nothing  gives, 
Whom  none  can  love,  whom  none  can  thank, 
Creation's  blot,  creation's  blank. 

4  But  he,  who  marks  from  day  to  day 
In  gen'rous  acts  his  radiant  way, 
Treads  the  same  path  his  Saviour  trod, 
The  path  to  glory  and  to  God. 

Hymn  132.  c.  m. 

1  /~1  OD  of  my  mercy  and  my  praise ! 
VJT  Thy  glory  is  my  song; 
Though  sinners  speak  against  thy  grace 

With  a  blaspheming  tongue. 

2  When  in  the  form  of  mortal  man 

Thy  Son  on  earth  was  found, 

With  cruel  slanders,  false  and  vain, 

They  compass' d  him  around. 

3  Their  mis'ries  his  compassion  mov'd; 

Their  peace  he  still  pursu'd: 
They  render' d  hatred  for  his  love, 
And  evil  for  his  good. 

4  Their  malice  rag'd  without  a  cause; 

Yet  with  his  dying  breath. 
He  pray'd  for  murd'rers  on  his  cross, 
And  bless' d  his  foes  in  death. 

5  O  may  his  conduct,  all-divine, 

To  me  a  model  prove ! 
Like  his,  O  God !  my  heart  incline 
My  enemies  to  love. 


F 


Hymn  133.  l.  m. 

A.THER  divine,"  the  Saviour  cried, 
While  horrors  press' d  on  ev'ry  side, 


EXAMPLE    OF    CHRIST.  97 

And  prostrate  on  the  ground  he  lay, 
"  Remove  this  bitter  cup  away." 

2  "  But  if  these  pangs  must  still  be  borne, 
And  stripes,  and  wounds,  and  cruel  scorn, 
I  bow  my  soul  before  thy  throne, 

And  say,  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done." 

3  Thus  our  submissive  souls  would  bow, 
And,  taught  by  Jesus,  lie  as  low. 
Our  hearts,  and  not  our  lips  alone, 
Would  say,  "  Thy  will,  not  ours,  be  done." 

4  Then,  though  like  him  in  dust  we  lie, 
We'll  view  the  blissful  moment  nigh, 
Which,  from  our  portion  in  his  pains, 
Calls  to  the  joy  in  which  he  reigns. 


VIII. 

SUFFERINGS  AND  DEATH  OF  CHRIST. 


Hymn   134.  s.  m. 

1  \  UTHOR  of  life  and  bliss ! 
_IJL  Thy  goodness  I  adore. 

O  give  me  strength  to  speak  thy  praise, 
And  grace  to  love  thee  more ! 

2  First  for  this  world,  so  fair, 

My  daily  thanks  shall  rise  : 
For  ev'ry  comfort,  ev'ry  joy, 
Thy  bounteous  hand  supplies. 


98  SUFFERINGS    AND    DEATH 

3  But  yet  a  nobler  cause 

Demands  my  warmest  love. 
Can  words  describe  the  wondrous  gift 
Descending  from  above  ? 

4  The  Saviour  dwelt  on  earth ; 

He  died,  that  we  might  live  ; 
Endur'd  the  sorrows  of  the  cross, 
Immortal  hope  to  give. 

5  Ah,  who  can  tell  the  scorn, 

The  dear  Redeemer  bore  % 
Or  who  describe  the  mental  grief, 
Which  his  blest  bosom  tore  ? 

6  Low  in  the  grave  he  lay, 

While  darkness  veil'd  the  skies. 
But,  lo  ! — he  bursts  the  bands  of  death ; 
To  glory  see  him  rise ! 

7  Father  !  this  work  is  thine  ; 

For  us  thou  gav'st  thy  Son. 
O  may  we  all  devoted  be 
And  live  to  thee  alone  ! 

Hymn  135.  c  m. 

1  "  TVTOW,  in  the  hour  of  deep  distress, 

±\     My  God,  support  thy  Son. 
When  horrors  dark  my  soul  oppress, 
O  leave  me  not  alone  r' 

2  Thus  did  our  suff'ring  Saviour  pray, 

With  mighty  cries  and  tears. 
God  heard  him  in  that  dreadful  day, 
And  chas'd  away  his  fears. 

3  Great  was  the  vict'ry  of  his  death: 

His  throne  exalted  stands; 
And  all  the  nations  of  the  earth 
Shall  bow  to  his  commands. 


OF    CHRIST.  99 

4  The  meek  and  humble  souls  shall  see 
His  table  richly  spread ; 
And  all,  that  seek  the  Lord,  shall  be 
With  joys  immortal  fed  ! 

Hymn  136.  l.  m. 

1  /^  OME,  let  our  mournful  songs  record 
V_y   The  dying  sorrows  of  our  Lord, 
When  he  expir  d  in  shame  and  blood, 
Like  one  forsaken  of  his  God. 

2  The  Jews  beheld  him  thus  forlorn, 

And  shook  their  heads,  and  laugh' d  in  scorn; 
"  He  rescu'd  others  from  the  grave ; 
Now  let  him  try  himself  to  save." 

3  0  harden' d  people  !  cruel  priests  ! 

How  they  stood  round  like  savage  beasts ! 

Like  lions  gaping  to  devour, 

When  God  had  left  him  in  their  pow'r! 

4  They  wound  his  head,  his  hands,  his  feet, 
Till  streams  of  blood  each  other  meet ; 
By  lot  his  garments  they  divide, 

And  mock  the  pangs  in  which  he  died. 

5  But,  gracious  God  !  thy  pow'r  and  love 
Have  made  his  death  a  blessing  prove. 
Though  once  upon  the  cross  he  bled, 
Immortal  honours  crown  his  head. 

6  Through  Christ  thy  Son  our  guilt  forgive, 
And  let  the  mourning  sinner  live  ! 

The  Lord  will  hear  us  in  his  name ; 
Nor  shall  our  hope  be  turn'd  to  shame. 


T 


Hymn  137.  l.  m. 

WAS  for  our  sake,  eternal  God, 
Thy  Son  sustain' d  that  heavy  load 


100  SUFFERINGS    AND    DEATH 

Of  base  reproach  and  sore  disgrace, 
And  shame  defiTd  his  sacred  face. 

2  The  Jews,  his  brethren  and  his  kin, 
Abus'd  him  when  he  check' d  their  sin ; 
While  he  fulfill' d  thy  holy  laws, 
They  hate  him,  but  without  a  cause. 

3  Zeal  for  the  temple  of  his  God 
Consum'd  his  life,  expos' d  his  blood; 
Reproaches  at  thy  glory  thrown 

He  felt,  and  mourn' d  them  as  his  own. 

4  His  friends  forsook,  his  fol'wers  fled, 
While  foes  and  arms  surround  his  head. 
They  nail  him  to  the  shameful  tree ; 
There  hung  my  Lord,  who  died  for  me. 

5  But  God  his  Father  heard  his  cry ; 
Rais'd  from  the  dead,  he  reigns  on  high ; 
The  nations  learn  his  righteousness, 
And  humble  sinners  taste  his  grace. 


iT 


Hymn  138.  c.  m. 

HE  Saviour,  what  a  noble  flame 
Was  kindled  in  his  breast, 
When,  hasting  to  Jerusalem, 
He  march' d  before  the  rest ! 

2  Good-will  to  men  and  zeal  for  God 

His  ev'ry  thought  engross; 
He  longs  to  be  baptiz'd  with  blood; 
He  pants  to  reach  his  cross. 

3  With  all  his  sufferings  full  in  view, 

And  woes  to  us  unknown, 
Forth  to  the  task  his  spirit  flew ; 
'Twas  love  that  urg'd  him  on. 

4  Lord  !  we  return  thee  what  we  can; 

Our  hearts  shall  sound  abroad 


OF    CHRIST.  101 

Salvation  to  the  dying  man, 
And  to  the  rising  God  ! 

5  And  while  thy  bleeding  glories  here 
Engage  our  wond'ring  eyes; 
We  learn  our  lighter  cross  to  bear, 
And  hasten  to  the  skies. 

Hymn  139.  s.  m. 

1  ~U>EHOLD  th' amazing  sight, 
J->    The  Saviour  lifted  high  ! 
Behold  the  Son  of  God's  delight 

Expire  in  agony  ! 

2  For  whom,  for  whom,  my  heart, 

Were  all  these  sorrows  borne? 
Why  did  he  feel  that  piercing  smart, 
And  meet  that  various  scorn  ? 

3  For  love  of  us  he  bled, 

And  all  in  torture  died : 
'Twas  love  that  bowM  his  fainting  head, 
And  op'd  his  gushing  side. 

4  In  sympathy  of  love 

Let  all  the  earth  combine  ; 
And,  drawn  by  cords  so  gentle,  prove 
The  energy  divine. 

5  In  him  our  hearts  unite, 

Nor  share  his  griefs  alone; 
But  from  his  cross  pursue  their  flight 
To  his  triumphant  throne. 


Hymn  140.  c. 


M. 


1    /^  OME.  let  us  lift  our  voices  high, 
V_y   High  as  our  joys  arise ; 
And  join  the  songs  above  the  sky, 
Where  pleasure  never  dies. 


102  SUFFERINGS    AND    DEATH 

2  Jesus,  the  Lord  that  fought  and  bled, 

How  kind  his  smiles  appear  ! 
What  melting,  soothing  words  he  says 
To  ev'ry  humble  ear ! 

3  "  For  you,  the  objects  of  my  love, 

It  was  for  you  I  died. 
Behold  my  hands,  behold  my  feet, 
And  look  into  my  side. 

4  "  These  are  the  wounds  for  you  I  bore, 

The  tokens  of  my  pains, 
When  I  was  sent  to  free  your  souls 
From  misery  and  chains." 

5  We  give  thee,  Lord,  our  highest  praise 

For  goodness  so  divine. 
O  may  we  ever  feel  thy  grace, 
And  die  to  ev'ry  sin  ! 

Hymn  141.  p.m.  8s,7s,&4s. 

1  TTARK  !  the  voice  of  love  and  mercy 
JLJL  Sounds  aloud  from  Calvary; 
Rending  rocks  the  work  attesting, 

Shaking  earth  and  veiled  sky. 
"Itisfmish'd!" 

Was  the  dying  Saviour's  cry. 

2  O  the  life,  the  peace,  the  pleasure, 

Which  these  charming  words  afford  ! 
Heav'nly  blessings  without  measure 

Flow  to  us  through  Christ  the  Lord. 
"Itisfinish'd!" 

Let  our  joyful  words  record. 

3  Tune  your  harps  anew,  ye  seraphs ! 

Sound  aloud  Immanuel's  name. 
All  creation  swell  the  chorus, 

Dwell  on  this  delightful  theme. 
"Itisfinish'd!" 

Glory  to  the  worthy  Lamb ! 


of  christ.  103 

Hymn  142.  l.  me. 

1  "'WIS  finished!" — so  the  Saviour  cried, 

And  meekly  bow'd  his  head  and  died. 
'Tis  finish' d — yes,  the  race  is  run, 
The  battle  fought,  the  vict'ry  won. 

2  Tis  finish'  i! — all  that  Heav'n  decreed, 
And  all  the  ancient  prophets  said, 

Is  now  fulfill' d,  as  was  design' d, 
In  thee,  the  Saviour  of  mankind. 

3  '  Tis  finished! — Aaron  now  no  more 
Must  stain  his  robes  with  purple  gore. 
The  sacred  veil  is  rent  in  twain, 
And  Jewish  rites  no  more  remain. 

4  '  Tis  finished  ! — man  is  reconcil'd 

To  God,  and  pow'rs  of  darkness  spoil'd. 
Peace,  love,  and  happiness  again 
Return  and  dwell  with  sinful  men. 

5  'Tis  finish' d  ! — let  the  joyful  sound 
Be  heard  through  all  the  nations  round. 
'  Tis  finish' d!— -let  the  echo  fly 

Through  heav'n  and  hell,  through  earth  and  sky ! 

Hymn  143.  c.  m. 

1  /^1  OME,  let  us  join  our  cheerful  songs 
\y   With  angels  round  the  throne. 
Ten  thousand  thousand  are  their  tongues, 

But  all  their  joys  are  one. 

2  "Worthy  the  Lamb  that  died,"  they  cry, 

M  To  be  exalted  thus." 
"  Worthy  the  Lamb,"  our  lips  reply, 
For  he  was  slain  for  us, 

3  Jesus  is  worthy  to  receive 

Honour  and  powr  divine: 
10 


104  SUFFERINGS    AND    DEATH 

And  blessings,  more  than  we  can  give, 
Be,  Lord !  for  ever  thine. 

4  Let  all  that  dwell  above  the  sky, 
And  air,  and  earth,  and  seas, 
Conspire  to  lift  thy  glories  high, 
And  speak  thine  endless  praise ! 

Hymn  144.  s.  m. 

1  TTOSANNAH  to  the  Son 
JJL  Of  David  and  of  God, 

Who  brought  the  news  of  pardon  down. 
And  seal'd  it  with  his  blood  ! 

2  To  Christ,  th'  anointed  King, 

Be  endless  blessings  giv'n ! 
Let  the  whole  earth  his  glory  sing, 
Who  made  our  peace  with  Heav'n. 

Hymn  145.  l.  m. 

1  X^TORTHY  is  he,  that  once  was  slain, 

v  ▼    The  Prince  of  peace  that  groan' d  and  died  ; 
Worthy  to  rise,  and  live,  and  reign, 
At  his  almighty  Father's  side. 

2  Pow'r  and  dominion  are  his  due, 

Who  stood  condemn' d  at  Pilate's  bar. 
Wisdom  belongs  to  Jesus  too, 

Though  he  was  charg'd  with  madness  here. 

3  Honour  immortal  must  be  paid, 

Instead  of  scandal  and  of  scorn; 
While  glory  shines  about  his  head, 
And  a  bright  crown  without  a  thorn. 

4  Blessings  for  ever  on  the  Lamb, 

Whose  blood  speaks  peace  to  wretched  men. 
Let  angels  sound  his  sacred  name ; 
And  ev'ry  creature  say,  Amen. 


CHRIST.  105 

Hymn  146.  c.  m. 

1  \  ND  are  we  now  brought  near  to  God, 
±\.  Who  once  at  distance  stood  1 

And,  to  effect  this  glorious  change, 
Did  Jesus  shed  his  blood  ? 

2  O,  for  a  song  of  ardent  praise, 

To  bear  our  souls  above  ! 
What  should  allay  our  lively  hope, 
Or  damp  our  flaming  love? 

3  Then  let  us  join  the  heav'nly  choirs, 

To  praise  our  heav'nly  King. 
O  may  that  grace,  which  he  has  shown, 
Inspire  us  while  we  sing : 

4  Glory  to  God  in  highest  strains, 

And  to  the  earth  be  peace  ! 
Good-will  from  heav'n  to  men  is  come, 
And  let  it  never  cease  ! 


Hymn  147.  c.  iff. 

1  T>  EHOLD  the  Saviour  of  mankind 
X3   Nail'd  to  the  shameful  tree. 
How  vast  the  love  that  him  inclin'd 

To  bleed  and  die  for  thee  ! 

2  Hark,  how  he  groans  !  while  nature  shakes, 

And  earth's  strong  pillars  bend  ! 
The  temple's  veil  in  sunder  breaks, 
The  solid  marbles  bend. 

3  'Tis  done!  the  precious  ransom's  paid; 

"  Receive  my  soul ! "  he  cries  : 
See  where  lie  bows  his  sacred  head ! 
He  bows  his  head  and  dies ! 

4  But  soon  he'll  break  death's  envious  chain, 

And  in  full  glory  shine. 


106  SUFFERINGS    AND    DEATH 

O  Lamb  of  God !  was  ever  pain, 
Was  ever  love  like  thine ! 


A 


Hymn  148.  c.  m. 

LAS !  and  did  my  Saviour  bleed, 
And  did  my  Sov' reign  die? 
"Would  he  devote  that  sacred  head 
For  such  a  worm  as  I  ? 

2  Well  might  the  sun  in  darkness  hide, 

And  shut  his  glories  in, 
When  Christ,  the  mighty  Saviour  died, 
For  man  the  creature's  sin  ! 

3  Thus  might  I  hide  my  blushing  face, 

While  his  dear  cross  appears  ; 
Dissolve  my  heart  in  thankfulness, 
And  melt  my  eyes  to  tears. 

4  But  drops  of  grief  can  ne'er  repay 

The  debt  of  love  I  owe. 
Here,  Lord,  I  give  myself  away : 
'Tis  all  that  I  can  do. 

Hymn  149.  p.  m.  &. 

1  1  H!  see  him  writhe,  and  bleed,  and  die  ! 
jl\.  Give  thanks,  my  soul,  and  offer  praise. 
See  Christ  with  God's  command  comply, 

And  execute  his  work  of  grace. 
He  bows  his  head  upon  the  tree, 
To  save,  to  bless,  to  comfort  me. 

2  Great  God  !  the  cov'nant  now  is  seal'd; 

The  arduous  work  of  love  is  done. 
Thy  mercy  fully  stands  reveal' d, 

For  thou  hast  given  us  thy  Son. 
What  gift  can  ever  be  denied 
To  those,  for  whom  the  Saviour  died. 


OF    CHRIST.  107 

3  My  soul  upon  thy  word  relies, 

Thy  gracious  message,  glad,  receives; 
Assurd  by  such  a  sacrifice, 

In  all  thy  promises  believes. 
No  gloomy  fears  my  peace  molest, 
Since  Jesus  bled  to  give  me  rest. 

4  Assist  me,  Lord,  to  keep  his  cross 

For  ever  present  to  my  heart ; 
Like  him.  to  count  all  things  but  loss, 

That  from  thy  service  me  would  part ; 
In  virtue's  cause  to  persevere, 
And  only  love  what  he  held  dear. 

5  Like  Jesus,  may  I  bear,  resign'd, 

The  ills  of  life,  the  wrongs  of  foes ; 
In  hope  that  I  may  mercy  find, 

Forgive  the  authors  of  my  woes ; 
To  reach  my  goal,  on  thorns  proceed, 
From  all  complaints  and  murmurs  freed. 

6  Like  Jesus,  may  I  e'en  in  death 

Enraptur'd  say,  "My  Father,  Friend;" 
Confide  in  thee,  and  yield  my  breath, 

Assurd  that  with  him  I'll  ascend 
To  mansions  of  celestial  joy, 
And  pleasures  which  shall  never  cloy. 

7  Eternal  glory,  praise,  to  thee, 

Who  sit' st  supreme  upon  the  throne  ! 
Salvation,  honour,  blessings  be 

For  ever  given  to  the  Son  ! 
In  heav'n  more  worthy  thanks  shall  rise 
For  his  vast  love  and  sacrifice. 

Hymn  150.  l.  m. 

1   "IV"  OW  let  us  raise  our  cheerful  strains, 
Jl\    And  join  the  blissful  choir  above. 
There  our  exalted  Saviour  reigns, 

-And  there  they  sing  his  wondrous  love. 
10* 


108  SUFFERINGS    AND    DEATH 

2  Jesus,  who  once  upon  the  tree 

In  agonizing  pains  expir'd, 
To  save  us  rebels, — yes,  'tis  he ! 

How  bright,  how  lovely,  how  admir'd ! 

3  Jesus,  who  died  that  we  might  live, 

And  rise  to  his  own  heav'nly  place: 
O  what  returns  can  mortals  give 
For  such  immeasurable  grace  ! 

4  Were  universal  nature  ours, 

And  art  with  all  her  boasted  store ; 
Nature  and  art,  with  all  their  pow'rs, 
Would  still  confess  the  off'rer  poor. 

5  Yet,  though  for  bounty  so  divine 

We  ne'er  can  equal  honours  raise : 
Jesus !  may  all  our  hearts  be  thine, 

And  all  our  tongues  proclaim  thy  praise. 

Hymn  151.  c.  m. 

1  TOEHOLD  the  bleeding  Lamb  of  God, 
_I3   The  spotless  sacrifice  ! 

By  hands  of  barb'rous  sinners  seiz'd, 
Nail'd  to  the  cross  he  dies. 

2  Blest  Jesus,  whence  this  streaming  blood  % 

And  whence  this  foul  disgrace? 
Whence  all  these  pointed  thorns  that  rend 
Thy  amiable  face ! 

3  "I  sanctify  myself  (he  cries,) 

That  thou  may' st  holy  be. 
Come,  trace  my  life ;  come,  view  my  death, 
And  learn  to  copy  me." 

4  Dear  Lord,  we  pant  for  holiness, 

And  ev'ry  sin  we  mourn : 
To  the  bright  path  of  thy  commands 
Our  wand' ring  footsteps  turn. 


OF    CHRIST.  109 

5  Not  more  sincerely  would  we  wish 
To  climb  the  heav'nly  hill, 
Than  here  with  all  our  utmost  pow'r 
Thy  model  to  fulfil. 

Hymn  152.  s.  m. 

1  \  ND  shall  we  still  be  slaves, 
_lJl  And  in  our  fetters  lie, 
When  summon' d  by  a  voice  divine 

T:  assert  our  liberty  ? 

2  Did  the  great  Saviour  bleed, 

Our  freedom  to  obtain  1 
And  shall  we  trample  on  his  blood, 
And  glory  in  our  chain? 

3  Shall  we  go  on  to  sin, 

Because  thy  grace  abounds  ; 
Or  crucify  the  Lord  again 
And  open  all  his  wounds  % 

4  Forbid  it,  mighty  God ! 

Nor  let  it  e'er  be  said, 
That  those,  for  whom  thy  Son  has  died, 
In  vice  are  lost  and  dead. 

5  The  man,  that  durst  despise 

The  law  that  Moses  brought, 
Behold  !  how  terribly  he  dies 
For  his  presumptuous  fault. 

6  But  sorer  vengeance  falls 

On  that  rebellious  race, 
Who  hate  to  hear  when  Jesus  calls, 
And  dare  resist  his  grace. 

Hymn  153.  l.  m. 

1   ~]V~ OW  be  that  sacrifice  survey5  d, 

_L  1    Which  for  our  souls  the  Saviour  made, 
AYhile  love  to  sinners  fir'd  his  heart, 
And  conquer' d  all  the  killing  smart. 


110  SUFFERINGS    AND    DEATH 

2  Blest  Jesus,  while  thy  grace  I  sing, 
What  grateful  tribute  shall  I  bring, 
That  earth  and  heav'n  and  all  may  see 
My  love  to  him,  who  died  for  me  % 

3  That  off' ring,  Lord,  thy  word  hath  taught; 
Nor  be  thy  new  command  forgot, 

That,  if  their  Master's  death  can  move, 
Thy  servants  should  each  other  love. 

4  When  on  thy  cross  I  fix  mine  eye, 
Let  ev'ry  savage  passion  die; 
And  may  I  ever  ready  be 

To  serve,  forgive,  and  love  like  thee. 

Hymn  154.  l.  m. 

1  "jVTOW  let  my  soul  with  transport  rise, 

±\    And  range  thro'  earth  and  mount  the  skies, 
And  view  each  various  form  of  good, 
Where  angels  hold  their  high  abode. 

2  Hath  not  the  bounteous  King  of  heav'n 
His  chief  belov'd  already  giv'n? 

And  what  shall  mercy  hold  too  good 
For  sinners  ransom' d  with  his  blood? 

3  My  soul,  with  fearless  faith  embrace 
The  sacred  cov'nant  of  his  grace; 
With  joyful  hope,  obedient,  wait 
The  issues  of  a  love  so  great. 


H 


Hymn  155.  c.  m. 

ARK  !  'tis  our  heav'nly  Leader's  voice, 
From  the  bright  realms  above ; 


Amidst  the  war's  tumultuous  rage, 
A  voice  of  pow'r  and  love. 

2  "  Maintain  the  fight,  my  faithful  band, 
Nor  fear  the  mortal  blow : 


OF    CHRIST.  Ill 

He,  that  in  such  a  warfare  dies, 
Shall  speedy  vict'ry  know. 

3  "I  have  my  days  of  combat  seen, 

And  in  the  dust  was  laid : 
But  now  I  sit  upon  my  throne, 
And  glory  crowns  my  head. 

4  "  This  throne,  this  glory  shall  be  yours ; 

My  hands  the  crown  shall  give ; 
And  you  the  blest  reward  shall  share, 
While  God  himself  shall  live." 

5  Lord  !  ;tis  enough ;  our  souls  are  fir'd 

With  courage  and  with  love  ; 
Vain  are  th'  assaults  of  earth  and  hell ; 
Our  hopes  are  fix'd  above. 

6  We'll  trace  the  footsteps  thou  hast  drawn 

To  triumph  and  renown: 
Nor  shun  thy  combat  and  thy  cross, 
May  we  but  share  thy  crown. 

Hymn  156.  l.  m. 

1  r¥l  HE  God,  who  once  to  Israel  spoke 

JL     From  Sinai's  top  in  fire  and  smoke, 
In  gentler  strains  of  gospel  grace, 
Invites  us  now  to  seek  his  face. 

2  He  wears  no  terrors  on  his  brow ; 
He  speaks  in  love  from  Zion  now. 
It  is  the  voice  of  Jesus'  blood, 

That  calls  us  wand'rers  back  to  God. 

3  Hark  !  how  from  Calvary  it  sounds, 
From  the  Redeemer's  bleeding  wounds : 
"  Pardon  and  grace  I  freely  give ; 
Then,  sinner,  look  to  me,  and  live." 


112  RESURRECTION    AND 

4  What  other  arguments  can  move 

The  heart,  that  slights  a  Saviour's  love? 
O  may  that  heav'nly  pow'r  be  felt, 
And  cause  the  stony  heart  to  melt ! 


IX. 

RESURRECTION  AND  GLORY  OF  CHRIST. 


Hymn  157.  l.  m. 

1  TTE  dies,  the  friend  of  sinners  dies  ! 

JL  JL  Lo  !  Salem's  daughters  weep  around. 
A  solemn  darkness  veils  the  skies ; 

A  sudden  trembling  shakes  the  ground. 

2  Here's  love  and  grief  beyond  degree: 

The  Lord  of  glory  dies  for  man ! 
But,  lo  ! — what  sudden  joys  we  see  ! 
Jesus,  the  dead,  revives  again. 

3  The  rising  God  forsakes  the  tomb  : 

In  vain  the  tomb  forbids  his  rise. 
Cherubic  legions  guard  him  home, 
And  shout  him  welcome  to  the  skies. 

4  Break  off  your  tears,  ye  saints,  and  tell 

How  high  our  great  deliv'rer  reigns. 
Sing,  how  he  spoil' d  the  hosts  of  hell, 
And  led  the  monster,  death,  in  chains. 

5  Say  :  "  Live  for  ever,  wondrous  King  ! 

Bom  to  redeem,  and  strong  to  save  !" 
Then  ask  the  monster  :  "  Where's  thy  sting ! 
And  where's  thy  vict'ry,  boasting  grave?" 


GLORY    OF    CHRIST.  113 

Hymn   158.  c.  m. 

1  "\7"E  humble  souls,  that  seek  the  Lord, 

JL     Chase  all  your  fears  away; 
And  bow  with  pleasure  down  to  see 
The  place  where  Jesus  lay. 

2  Thus  low  the  Lord  of  life  was  brought ! 

Such  wonders  love  can  do  ! 
Thus  cold  in  death  that  bosom  lay, 
Which  throbb'd  and  bled  for  you ! 

3  A  moment  give  a  loose  to  grief; 

Let  grateful  sorrows  rise ; 
And  wash  the  bloody  stains  away 
With  torrents  from  your  eyes. 

4  Then  dry  your  tears,  and  tune  your  songs ; 

The  Saviour  lives  again ! 
Not  all  the  bolts  and  bars  of  death 
The  Conq'ror  could  detain. 

5  High  o'er  th'  angelic  bands  he  rears 

His  once  dishonour'd  head; 
And  through  unnumber'd  years  he  reigns, 
Who  dwelt  among  the  dead. 

6  With  joy  like  his,  shall  ev'ry  saint 

His  empty  tomb  survey; 
And  rise  with  his  ascending  Lord 
Through  all  his  shining  way. 

Hymn  159.  p.  m.  7s. 

1  f\  HRIST,  the  Lord,  is  ris'n  to  day, 
Vy   Sons  of  men  and  angels  say. 
Raise  your  joys  and  triumphs  high ; 
Sing,  ye  heav'ns,  and  earth  reply. 

2  Love's  redeeming  work  is  done ; 
Fought  the  fight,  the  battle  won. 


114  RESURRECTION    AND 

Lo  !  our  sun's  eclipse  is  o'er. 
Lo !  he  sets  in  blood  no  more. 

3  Vain  the  stone,  the  watch,  the  seal ! 
Christ  has  burst  the  gates  of  hell. 
Death  in  vain  forbids  his  rise ; 
Christ  has  opend  Paradise. 

4  Lives  again  our  glorious  King: 
Where,  O  death,  is  now  thy  sting? 
Dying  once,  he  all  doth  save : 
Where  thy  victory,  O  grave  ? 

Hymn  160.  p.  m.  7s. 

1  \  NGEL,  roll  the  rock  away : 
ijL  Hallelujah ! 
Death,  yield  up  thy  mighty  prey. 

See,  he  rises  from  the  tomb, 
Glowing  in  immortal  bloom. 

2  'Tis  the  Saviour  !  angels,  raise 
Fame's  eternal  trump  of  praise. 
Let  the  world's  remotest  bound 
Hear  the  joy-inspiring  sound. 

3  Hail !  victorious  Jesus,  hail ! 
On  thy  cloud  of  glory  sail 

In  long  triumph  through  the  sky, 
Up  to  waiting  worlds  on  high. 

4  Heav'n  displays  her  portals  wide : 
Glorious  hero  !  through  them  ride. 
King  of  glory  !  mount  thy  throne, 
Thy  great  Father's,  and  thine  own. 

5  Hosts  of  heav'n,  seraphic  fires  ! 
Raptur'd,  sweep  your  sounding  lyres. 
Sons  of  men  !  in  humbler  strain 
Sing  your  mighty  Saviour's  reign. 


ouuin      yjx'     ^nitiox( 


liO 


6  .dVry  note  with  wonder  swell ; 
Sin  o'erthrown,  and  captiv'd  hell ! 
Where  is  now,  O  death  !  thy  sting? 
Where  thy  terrors,  vanquish' d  King? 


Hymn  161.  s.  m. 


S 


The  builders  did  refuse  ! 
Yet  God  Ijath  built  his  church  thereon, 
In  spite  of  envious  Jews. 

2  The  work,  O  Lord,  is  thine, 

And  wondrous  in  our  eyes : 
This  day  declares  it  all  divine, 
This  day  did  Jesus  rise. 

3  Since  he  hath  left  the  grave, 

His  promises  are  true ; 
And  each  exalted  hope  he  gave, 
Confirm' d  of  heav'n  we  view. 

4  Hosannah  to  the  King 

Of  David's  royal  blood ! 
Bless  him,  ye  saints ;  he  comes  to  bring 
Salvation  from  your  God. 

5  O  come  the  happy  hour, 

When  all  the  world  shall  own 
Thy  Son,  O  God,  declar'd  with  pow'r, 
And  worship  at  thy  throne ! 

6  We  bless  thy  holy  word, 

Which  all  this  grace  displays; 
And  offer  on  thine  altar,  Lord ! 
Our  sacrifice  of  praise. 


Y 


Hymn  162.  p.  m. 

ES,  the  Redeemer  rose; 


The  Saviour  left  the  dead ; 
11 


116  RESURRECTION    AND 

And  o'er  our  hellish  foes 

High  rais'd  his  conq'ring  head. 
In  wild  dismay, 
The  guards  around 
Fall  to  the  ground, 
And  sink  away. 

2  Lo !  the  angelic  bands 

In  full  assembly  meet, 
To  wait  his  high  commands, 
And  worship  at  his  feet. 
Joyful  they  come, 
And  wing  their  way 
From  realms  of  day 
To  Jesus'  tomb. 

3  Then  back  to  heav'n  they  fly, 

The  joyful  news  to  bear. 
Hark  !  as  they  soar  on  high, 
What  music  fills  the  air  I 
Their  anthems  say : 
"Jesus,  who  bled, 
Hath  left  the  dead ; 
He  rose  to-day." 

4  Ye  mortals,  catch  the  sound, 

Redeem' d  by  him  from  hell; 
And  send  the  echo  round 

The  globe  on  which  you  dwell. 
With  Christ  we  rise, 
With  Christ  we  reign, 
And  empires  gain 
Beyond  the  skies. 

Hymn  163.  cm. 

1  "C1ATHER  of  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord, 
JF     My  Saviour,  and  my  Head  ! 
I  trust  in  thee,  whose  pow'rful  word 
Hath  rais'd  him  from  the  dead. 


GLORY    OF    CHRIST.  117 

2  Eternal  life  to  all  mankind 

Thou  hast  in  Jesus  giv'n; 
And  all  who  seek,  through  him,  shall  find 
The  happiness  of  heav'n. 

3  Obedient  faith,  that  waits  on  thee, 

Thou  never  wilt  reprove; 
But  thou  wilt  form  thy  Son  in  me, 
And  perfect  me  in  love. 

4  To  thee  the  glory  of  thy  pow'r 

And  faithfulness  I  give. 
I  shall  in  Christ,  at  that  glad  hour, 
And  Christ  in  me  shall  live. 

Hymn  164.  s.  m. 

1  "OLESS'D  be  th'  eternal  God, 
_I3   The  Father  of  our  Lord ! 
Be  his  abounding  mercy  prais'd, 

His  majesty  ador'd. 

2  From  death  he  rais'd  his  Son, 

And  call'd  him  to  the  sky ; 
And  gave  our  souls  a  lively  hope, 
That  they  should  never  die. 

3  What  though  his  will  requires, 

That  we  should  see  the  dust : 
Since  Christ,  our  pledge  and  pattern,  rose, 
So  all  his  fol'wers  must. 

4  There's  an  inheritance 

Reserv'd  against  that  day; 
'Tis  uncorrupted,  undenTd, 
And  cannot  fade  away. 


H 


Hymn  165.  l.  m. 

OSANNAH !  let  us  join  to  sing 
The  glories  of  our  rising  King; 


118  RESURRECTION    AND 

Recount  his  victories,  and  tell, 
How  Jesus  triumph' d  when  he  fell. 

2  Soon  as  the  morning's  earliest  ray- 
Brings  on  the  third,  th'  appointed  day, 
Behold  the  angel  cleave  the  skies, 
Roll  back  the  stone,  and  Jesus  rise. 

3  Ye  tribes  of  Adam,  raise  the  song, 
And  bid  angelic  harps  prolong 
The  triumphs  of  that  day  of  grace, 
Which  seal'd  salvation  to  our  race. 

4  Salvation  !  joy-inspiring  theme  ! 
Best  gift  of  him  who  reigns  supreme ; 
Sweet  balm  of  ev'ry  human  wo, 
And  source  of  boundless  joy  below. 

5  Salvation !  sons  of  men,  record 
The  glories  of  your  rising  Lord. 
The  triumphs  of  the  Saviour  tell, 
Who  died,  and  conquer' d  when  he  fell. 

Hymn  166.  l.  m. 

1  T>  E JOICE,  ye  shining  worlds  on  high  ; 
JLV  Behold  the  King  of  glory  nigh ! 
Who  can  this  King  of  glory  be  ? 

The  mighty  Lord,  the  Saviour's  he. 

2  Ye  heav'nly  gates,  your  leaves  display, 
To  make  the  Lord,  the  Saviour,  way. 
Laden  with  spoils  from  earth  and  hell, 
The  Conq'ror  comes,  with  God  to  dwell. 

3  Rais'd  from  the  dead,  he  goes  before, 
He  opens  heav'n's  eternal  door, 

To  give  his  saints  a  blest  abode, 
Near  their  Redeemer  and  their  God. 


GLORY    OF    CHRIST.  119 

Hymn  167.  c.  m. 

IN  raptures  let  our  hearts  ascend, 
Our  heav'nly  seats  to  view, 
And  grateful  trace  that  shining  path 
Our  rising  Saviour  drew. 

"Up  to  my  Father  and  my  God 

I  go;  (the  Conq'ror  cries) 
Up  to  your  Father  and  your  God, 

My  brethren,  lift  your  eyes." 

And  doth  the  Lord  of  glory  call 

Such  worms  his  brethren  dear  ? 
And  doth  he  point  to  heav'n's  high  throne, 

And  shew  our  Father  there? 

And  doth  he  teach  my  feeble  tongue 

That  tuneful  soimd,  "  my  God  %  " 
And  breathe  his  spirit  on  my  heart 

To  shed  his  grace  abroad  1 

O  world,  produce  a  good  like  this, 

And  thou  shalt  have  my  love. 
Till  then,  my  Father  claims  it  all, 

And  Christ  who  dwells  above. 


Hymn  168.  c. 


M. 


PEACE,  all  ye  sorrows  of  the  heart, 
And  all  my  tears  be  dry : 
That  Christian's  courage  ne'er  can  sink, 
Who  views  his  Lord  on  high. 

"I  live  for  ever,  (Jesus  saith,) 
And  you  with  me  shall  live ; 

Receive  with  pleasure  ev'ry  pledge 
My  pow'r  and  love  can  give. 

"Fair  mansions  in  my  Father's  house 
For  all  his  children  wait ; 
11* 


120  RESURRECTION   AND 

And  I,  your  elder  brother,  go 
To  open  wide  the  gate. 

4  "United  in  eternal  love, 

My  fol'wers  shall  remain; 
And  with  rejoicing  hearts  shall  share 
The  honours  of  my  reign." 

5  Yes,  Lord,  thy  gracious  words  we  hear, 

And  cordial  joys  they  bring. 
Frail  nature  may  extort  a  groan, 
But  faith  thy  name  shall  sing. 

Hymn  169.  p.  m.  n. 

1  "TESUS,  our  triumphant  Head, 
cr    Ris'n  victorious  from  the  dead, 
To  the  realms  of  glory's  gone, 
To  ascend  his  rightful  throne. 

2  Cherubs  on  the  Conq'ror  gaze, 
Seraphs  glow  with  brighter  blaze ; 
Each  bright  order  of  the  sky 
Hails  him,  as  he  passes  by. 

3  Heav'n  its  King  congratulates, 
Opens  wide  her  golden  gates. 
Angels  songs  of  vict'ry  bring; 
All  the  blissful  regions  ring. 

4  Sinners,  join  the  heav'nly  pow'rs; 
For  redemption  all  is  ours. 
Humble  penitents  shall  prove 
Blood-bought  pardon,  dying  love. 

5  Hail,  thou  dear,  thou  worthy  Lord ! 
Holy  Lamb  !  incarnate  word  ! 
Hail,  thou  suff'ring  Son  of  God! 
Take  the  trophies  of  thy  blood. 


glory  of  christ.  121 

Hymn  170.  l.  m. 

1  fTl  HE  Lord  of  life,  with  glory  crown' d, 

j|_     On  heav?n's  exalted  throne, 
Forgets  not  those,  for  whom  on  earth 
He  heav'd  his  dying  groan. 

2  His  greatness  now  no  tongue  of  man 

Or  seraph  bright  can  tell : 
Yet  still  the  chief  of  all  his  joys, 
That  souls  are  sav;d  from  hell. 

3  For  this  he  taught,  and  toil'd,  and  bled; 

For  this  his  life  was  giv'n ; 
For  this  he  fought,  and  vanquish' d  death; 
For  this  he  reigns  in  heav'n. 

4  Join,  all  ye  saints  beneath  the  sky, 

Your  grateful  praise  to  give ; 
Sing  loud  Hosannahs  to  his  name, 
With  whom  you  too  shall  live. 

Hymn  171.  l.  m. 

1  T~¥7"HERE  high  the  heav'nly  temple  stands, 

▼  T     The  house  of  God  not  made  with  hands, 
A  great  Highpriest  our  nature  wears, 
The  guardian  of  our  souls  appears. 

2  His  race  for  ever  is  complete, 
For  ever  undisturbed  his  seat; 
Myriads  of  angels  round  him  fly, 
And  sing  his  well-gain' d  victory. 

3  The  Saviour  and  the  Friend  of  man 
Pursues  in  heav'n  his  gracious  plan; 
And,  though  ascended  up  on  high, 
He  bends  on  earth  a  brother's  eye. 

4  Raise,  xaise,  my  soul,  thy  raptur'd  sight, 
With  sacred  wonder  and  delight; 


122  RESURRECTION    AND 

At  God's  right  hand  thy  Saviour  see, 
Enter' d  within  the  veil  for  thee. 

5  With  filial  boldness,  at  the  throne, 
Make  all  thy  cares  and  sorrows  known ; 
And  ask  the  aids  of  heav'nly  pow'r, 
To  help  thee  in  the  evil  hour. 

Hymn  172.  p.  m.  es  &  &. 

1  T)  EJOICE,  the  Lord  is  King; 
JLV  Your  God  and  King  adore. 
Mortals,  give  thanks  and  sing, 

And  triumph  evermore ! 
Lift  up  your  hearts,  lift  up  your  voice, 
Rejoice  aloud,  ye  saints,  rejoice. 

2  Rejoice,  the  Saviour  reigns; 

He  reigns  in  truth  and  love. 
When  he  had  wash'd  our  stains, 

He  took  his  seat  above. 
Lift  up  your  hearts,  &c. 

3  His  kingdom  cannot  fail ; 

He  rules  o'er  earth  and  heav'n; 
The  keys  of  death  and  hell 

Are  to  our  Jesus  giv'n. 
Lift  up,  &c. 

4  He  all  his  foes  shall  quell, 

Shall  all  our  sins  destroy ; 
And  ev'ry  bosom  swell 

With  pure  seraphic  joy. 
Lift  up,  &c. 

5  Rejoice  in  glorious  hope : 

Jesus,  the  Judge,  shall  come, 
And  take  his  servants  up 

To  their  eternal  home. 
We  soon  shall  hear  th'  archangel's  voice  J 
The  trump  of  God  shall  sound,  rejoice ! 


GLORY    OF    CHRIST.  123 

Hymn  173.  c.  h. 

1  S~\   THE  delights,  the  heav'nly  joys, 
V>J   The  glories  of  the  place, 
Where  Jesus  sheds  the  brightest  beams 

Of  his  o'erflowing  grace! 

2  Princes  to  his  imperial  name 

Bend  their  bright  sceptres  down ; 
Dominions,  thrones,  and  pow'rs  rejoice, 
To  see  him  wear  the  crown. 

3  Archangels  sound  his  lofty  praise, 

Through  ev'ry  heav'nly  street; 
And  lay  their  highest  honours  down, 
Submissive,  at  his  feet. 

4  While  angels  shout  and  praise  their  King, 

Let  mortals  learn  their  strains. 
Let  all  the  earth  his  honours  sing; 
O'er  all  the  earth  he  reigns. 

5  Now  to  the  Lamb,  that  once  was  slain, 

Be  endless  blessings  paid; 
Salvation,  glory,  joy,  remain 
For  ever  on  thy  head ! 

6  Thou  hast  redeem' d  our  souls  with  blood, 

Hast  set  the  pris'ners  free, 
Hast  made  us  kings  and  priests  to  God, 
And  we  shall  rei<?n  with  thee. 


Hymn  174.  p.  m.  8s,  ?s,  &  4s 

LO !  he  comes,  from  heav'n  descending, 
Sent  to  judge  both  quick  and  dead. 
Mi'lst  ten  thousand  saints  and  angels, 
See  our  great  exalted  Head. 

Hallelujah ! 
Welcome,  Welcome,  Son  of  God  ! 


124  KINGDOM    AND    CHURCH 

2  Full  of  awful  expectation, 

All  before  the  Judge  appear. 
Truth  and  justice  go  before  him ; 

Now  the  joyful  sentence  hear. 

Hallelujah! 
Welcome,  welcome,  Judge  divine  ! 

3  "Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father; 

Enter  into  life  and  joy. 
Banish  all  your  fear  and  sorrow ; 

Endless  praise  be  your  employ." 

Hallelujah! 
Welcome,  welcome  to  the  skies ! 

4  Now  at  once  they  rise  to  glory ; 

Jesus  brings  them  to  the  King. 
There,  with  all  the  hosts  of  heaven, 

They  eternal  anthems  sing. 

Hallelujah! 
Boundless  glory  to  the  Lamb  ! 


X. 

KINGDOM  AND  CHURCH  OF  CHRIST. 


Hymn  175.  l.  m. 

Effusion  of  the  Spirit  on  the  day  of  Pentecost, 

1   f^i  REAT  was  the  day,  the  joy  was  great, 
VJT  When  the  divine  disciples  met; 
While  on  their  heads  the  Spirit  came, 
And  sat  like  tongues  of  cloven  flame. 


OF    CHRIST.  125 

2  What  gifts,  what  miracles  he  gave  ! 
And  pow'r  to  kill,  and  pow'r  to  save! 
Furnish'd  their  tongues  with  wondrous  words, 
Instead  of  shields,  and  spears,  and  swords. 

3  Nations,  the  learned  and  the  rude, 
Were  by  these  heav'nly  arms  subdu'd. 
The  heathens  saw  thy  glory,  Lord ! 

And,  wond'ring,  bless:d  thy  gracious  word. 

4  Come  the  great  day,  the  glorious  hour, 
When  all  shall  feel  thy  saving  pow'r, 
And  the  whole  race  of  man  confess 
The  beauty  of  thy  holiness ! 

Hymn  176.  s.  m. 

1  1%/TAKER,  and  so v' reign  Lord 
_1_T_I_  Of  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  seas ! 
Thy  providence  confirms  thy  word, 

And  answers  thy  decrees. 

2  Why  did  the  Gentiles  rage, 

And  Jews,  with  one  accord, 
Bend  all  their  counsels  to  destroy 
Th'  anointed  of  the  Lord? 

Rulers  and  kings  agree 

To  form  a  vain  design ; 
Against  the  Lord  their  pow'rs  unite, 

Against  his  Christ  they  join. 

The  Lord  derides  their  rage, 

And  will  support  his  throne. 
He,  that  hath  rais'd  him  from  the  dead, 

Hath  own'd  him  for  his  Son. 

5  He  asks,  and  God  bestows 
A  large  inheritance. 

Far  as  the  earth's  remotest  ends, 
His  kingdom  shall  advance. 


126  kingdom  and  church 

Hymn  177.  l.  m. 

1  TESUS  shall  reign,  where'er  the  sun 
J    Does  his  successive  journeys  run; 
His  kingdom  stretch  from  shore  to  shore, 
Till  moons  shall  wax  and  wane  no  more. 

2  People  and  realms  of  ev'ry  tongue 
Dwell  on  his  love  with  grateful  song; 
And  with  united  hearts  proclaim, 
That  grace  and  truth  by  Jesus  came. 

3  Blessings  abound  where'er  he  reigns; 
The  pris'ner  leaps  to  lose  his  chains; 
The  weary  find  eternal  rest, 

And  all  the  sons  of  want  are  blest. 

4  Where  he  displays  his  healing  pow'r, 
The  sting  of  death  is  known  no  more. 
In  him  the  sons  of  Adam  boast 
More  blessings,  than  their  father  lost. 

Hymn  178.   l.  m. 

1  nn  HUS  God,  th'  eternal  Father,  spake 

JL     To  Christ  his  Son :  "Ascend  and  sit 
At  my  right  hand,  till  I  shall  make 
Thy  foes  submissive  at  thy  feet. 

2  "  From  Zion  shall  thy  word  proceed ; 

Thy  word,  the  sceptre  in  thy  hand, 
Shall  make  the  hearts  of  rebels  bleed, 
And  bow  their  wills  to  thy  command. 

3  "That  day  shall  show  thy  pow'r  is  great, 

When  saints  shall  flock  with  willing  minds, 
And  sinners  crowd  thy  temple  gate, 
Where  holiness  in  beauty  shines." 

4  O  blessed  pow'r!  O  glorious  day ! 

What  a  large  vict'ry  shall  ensue ! 


OF    CHRIST.  127 

And  converts,  who  thy  grace  obey, 
Exceed  the  drops  of  morning  dew. 

Hymn  179.  l.  m. 

1  (~^  REAT  God  !  whose  universal  sway 
vIT  The  known  and  unknown  worlds  obey ; 
Extend  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son, 

Till  ev'ry  land  his  laws  shall  own. 

2  They  form  to  righteousness  the  mind, 
To  all  that's  candid,  gentle,  kind; 
Inspire  with  love  the  human  breast, 
And  stormy  passions  soothe  to  rest. 

3  As  gentle  rain  on  parching  ground, 
His  gospel  sheds  its  influence  round ; 
Its  grace  on  fainting  souls  distils, 
Like  heavnly  dew  on  thirsty  hills. 

1  The  heathen  lands,  that  lie  beneath 
The  shades  of  darkness  and  of  death, 
Revive  at  its  first  dawning  light, 
And  deserts  blossom  at  the  sight. 

b  The  saints  shall  flourish  in  his  days, 
Dress'd  in  the  robes  of  joy  and  praise; 
Peace,  like  a  river,  from  his  throne, 
Shall  flow  to  nations  yet  unknown. 

Hymn  180.  c.  m. 

1    r^  REAT  God  !  the  nations  of  the  earth 
vJ  Are  by  creation  thine  ; 
And  in  thy  works,  by  all  beheld, 
Thy  radiant  glories  shine. 

1  But,  Lord,  thy  greater  love  has  sent 
Thy  gospel  to  mankind, 
Unveiling  what  rich  stores  of  grace 
Are  treasur'd  in  thy  mind. 
12 


128  KINGDOM    AND    CHURCH 

3  Lord  !  when  shall  these  glad  tidings  spread 

The  spacious  earth  around, 
Till  ev'ry  tribe,  and  ev'ry  soul 
Shall  hear  the  joyful  sound  % 

4  O  when  shall  Afric's  sable  sons 

Enjoy  the  heav'nly  word, 
And  vassals  long-enslav'd  become 
The  freemen  of  the  Lord  % 

5  When  shall  th'  untutor'd  heathen  tribes, 

A  dark  bewilder' d  race, 
Sit  down  at  our  ImiTianuel's  feet, 
And  learn  and  feel  his  grace? 

6  Haste,  sov'  reign  mercy,  and  transform 

Their  cruelty  to  love ; 

Soften  the  tiger  to  a  lamb, 

The  vulture  to  a  dove. 

7  Smile,  Lord,  on  each  divine  attempt 

To  spread  the  gospel's  rays ; 
And  build,  on  sin's  demolish' d  throne, 
The  temples  of  thy  praise. 

Hymn  181.  s.  m. 

1  fl  REAT  God  !  arise  and  shine, 
VX"  With  beams  of  heav'nly  light ; 
From  this  dark  world  of  sin  dispel 

The  long  and  doleful  night. 

2  No  more  may  idols  share 

The  honours  due  to  thee : 
May  ev'ry  nation  know  thy  name, 
And  thy  salvation  see. 

3  No  more  may  malice  dare 

To  lift  her  iron  rod ; 
No  longer  shed  the  blood  of  saints, 
And  plead  a  zeal  for  God. 


OF    CHRIST.  129 

4  With  its  own  native  light, 

Lord,  may  thy  gospel  shine  : 
May  error  fly  like  noxious  mists 
Before  this  light  divine. 

5  Whilst  truth  her  charms  reveals, 

May  love  each  breast  inspire; 
Nor  one  base  passion  ever  mix, 
To  quench  tins  sacred  fire. 

Hymn  182.  p.  m. 

Isaiah  lx.  1. 

1  /^  Zion,  tune  thy  voice, 
V>J  And  raise  thy  hands  on  high ; 
Tell  all  the  earth  thy  joys, 
And  boast  salvation  nigh. 
Cheerful  in  God, 
Arise  and  shine, 
While  rays  divine 
Stream  all  abroad. 

2  He  gilds  thy  mourning  face 

With  beams  that  cannot  fade ; 
His  all-resplendent  grace 
He  sheds  upon  thy  head. 
The  nations  round 
Thy  form  shall  view, 
With  lustre  new 
Divinely  crown' d. 

3  In  honour  to  his  name, 

Reflect  that  sacred  light ; 
And  loud  that  grace  proclaim, 

Which  makes  thy  darkness  bright. 
Pursue  his  praise, 
Till  sov' reign  love 
In  worlds  above 
The  glory  raise. 


130  KINGDOM    AND    CHURCH 

4  There,  on  his  holy  hill, 

A  brighter  sun  shall  rise, 
And  with  his  radiance  fill 
Those  fairer,  purer  skies ; 
While  round  his  throne 
Ten  thousand  stars 
In  nobler  spheres 
His  influence  own. 

Hymn  183.  p.  m. 

Isaiah  xli.  18,  19. 

1  \  MAZING,  beauteous  change 
_Z~Jl  A  world  created  new ! 

Our  thoughts  with  transport  range, 
The  lovely  scene  to  view. 
In  all  we  trace, 
Father  divine, 
The  work  is  thine ; 
Be  thine  the  praise  ! 

2  See  crystal  fountains  play 

Amidst  the  burning  sands ! 
The  river's  winding  way 

Shines  through  the  thirsty  lands ! 
New  grass  is  seen, 
And  o'er  the  meads 
Its  carpet  spreads 
Of  living  green. 

3  Where  pointed  brambles  grew, 

Entwin'd  with  horrid  thorn, 
Gay  flow'rs,  for  ever  new, 
Th'  enamell'd  fields  adorn. 
The  blushing  rose, 
And  lily  there, 
In  union  fair 

Their,  sweets  disclose. 


OF    CHRIST.  131 


4  Where  the  bleak  mountain  stood, 

All  bare  and  disarray' d, 
See  the  wide-branching  wood, 
Diffuse  its  grateful  shade  ! 
Tall  cedars  nod, 
•  And  oaks  and  pines, 
And  elms  and  vines 
Confess  the  God. 

5  The  tyrants  of  the  plain 

Their  savage  chase  give  o'er; 
No  more  they  rend  the  slain, 
And  thirst  for  blood  no  more  j 
But  infant  hands 
Fierce  tigers  stroke, 
And  lions  yoke 
In  flow'ry  bands. 

6  0  when,  almighty  Lord, 

Shall  these  glad  scenes  arise, 
To  verify  thy  word, 

And  bless  our  wond'ring  eyes? 
That  earth  may  raise, 
With  all  her  tongues, 
United  songs 

Of  ardent  praise. 


XI. 

THE  INFLUENCE  OF  GOD'S  HOLY  SPIRIT. 


Hymn  184.  l.  m. 

1    /^ OME,  gracious  Spirit,  heav'nly  Dove, 
Vy   With  light  and  comfort  from  above. 
Be  thou  our  guardian,  thou  our  guide  j 
O'er  ev'ry  thought  and  step  preside, 
12* 


132  THE    INFLUENCE    OF 

2  Conduct  us  safe,  conduct  us  far 
From  ev'ry  sin  and  hurtful  snare ; 
Lead  to  thy  word  that  rules  must  give, 
And  teach  us  lessons  how  to  live. 

3  The  light  of  truth  to  us  display, 

That  we  may  know  and  love  thy  way; 

Plant  holy  fear  in  ev'ry  heart, 

That  we  from  thee  may  ne'er  depart. 

4  Lead  us  to  righteousness,  the  road 
That  we  must  take,  to  dwell  with  God ; 
Lead  us  to  heav'n,  the  seat  of  bliss, 
Where  pleasure  in  perfection  is. 

Hymn  185.  c.  m. 

1  /^  OME,  holy  Spirit,  heav'nly  Dove, 
Vy   With  all  thy  quick' ning  pow'rs; 
Kindle  a  flame  of  sacred  love 

In  these  cold  hearts  of  ours. 

2  See,  how  we  grovel  here  below, 

Fond  of  these  earthly  toys  ! 
Our  souls,  how  heavily  they  go, 
To  reach  eternal  joys  ! 

3  Dear  Lord  !  and  shall  we  always  live 

At  this  poor,  dying  rate  1 
Our  love  so  cold,  so  faint  to  thee, 
And  thine  to  us  so  great? 

4  Come,  holy  Spirit,  heav'nly  Dove, 

With  all  thy  quick'ning  pow'rs. 
Come,  shed  abroad  a  Saviour's  love, 
And  that  shall  kindle  ours. 

Hymn  186.  s.  m. 

1    rpHINE  influence,  Lord  !  is  felt 
JL     Through  nature's  ample  round. 
In  heav'n,  on  earth,  through  air  and  skies, 
Thine  energy  is  found. 


god's  holy  spirit.  133 

2  Let  others,  swell' d  with  pride, 

Of  wisdom  make  their  boasts  : 
Our  wisdom  and  our  strength  must  come 
From  thee,  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

3  Father  !  thy  Spirit  grant, 

To  guide  our  doubtful  way. 
Thy  truth  shall  scatter  ev'ry  cloud, 
And  make  a  glorious  day. 

4  Supported  by  thy  grace, 

We'll  do  and  bear  thy  will. 
That  grace  shall  make  each  burden  light, 
And  ev'ry  murmur  still. 

5  Cheer  d  by  thy  smiles,  we'll  tread 

The  gloomy  path  of  death  ; 
And,  with  the  hope  of  endless  bliss, 
Resign  to  thee  our  breath. 

Hymn  187.  p.  if. 

1  "TVTARK   the  soft  falling  snow, 
-LtJL  And  the  descending  rain: 
To  heav'n,  from  whence  it  fell, 

It  turns  not  back  again ; 
But  waters  earth 
Through  ev'ry  pore, 
And  calls  forth  all 
Her  secret  siore. 

2  Array' d  in  beauteous  green, 

The  hills  and  valleys  shine; 
And  man  and  beast  are  fed 
By  providence  divine. 
The  harvest  bows 
Its  golden  ears, 
The  copious  seed 
Of  future  years. 


134  THE    INFLUENCE    OF 

3  "  So,"  saith  the  God  of  grace, 
"  My  gospel  shall  descend, 
Almighty  to  effect 
The  purpose  I  intend. 
Millions  of  souls 
Shall  feel  its  pow'r, 
And  bear  it  down 
To  millions  more." 

Hymn  188.  s.  m. 

1    FTIO  God  the  only  wise, 

JL     Our  Saviour  and  our  King, 

Let  all  the  saints  below  the  skies 

Their  humble  praises  bring. 

%  'Tis  his  almighty  love, 

His  counsel  and  his  care, 
Preserves  us  safe  from  sin  and  death, 
And  ev'ry  hurtful  snare. 

3  He  will  present  our  souls 

Unblemish'd  and  complete, 
Before  the  glory  of  his  face, 
With  joys  divinely  great. 

4  Then  all  his  faithful  sons 

Shall  meet  around  the  throne, 
Shall  bless  the  conduct  of  his  grace, 
And  make  his  wonders  known. 

5  To  our  Redeemer,  God, 

Wisdom  and  pow'r  belongs, 
Immortal  crowns  of  majesty, 
And  everlasting  songs. 

Hymn  189.  c.  m. 

1   "1%/TY  hope,  my  portion,  and  my  God, 
J-TJL  How  little  art  thou  known 
By  all  the  judgments  of  thy  rod, 
And  blessings  of  thy  throne ! 


GOD  S    HOLY    SPIRIT.  135 

2  How  cold  and  feeble  is  my  love ! 

How  negligent  my  fear  ! 
How  low  my  hope  of  joys  above ! 
How  few  affections  there  ! 

3  Great  God !  thy  gracious  aid  impart, 

To  give  thy  word  success. 
Write  thy  salvation  in  my  heart, 
That  I  may  learn  thy  grace. 

4  Shew  my  forgetful  feet  the  way 

That  leads  to  joys  on  high. 
There  knowledge  grows  without  decay, 
And  love  shall  never  die. 


F 


Hymn  190.  c.  m. 

OR  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
My  Saviour  and  my  shield  ! 
He  sends  his  Spirit  with  his  word, 
To  arm  me  for  the  field. 

2  When  all  my  foes  their  force  unite, 

He  makes  my  soul  his  care; 
Instructs  me  in  the  heav'nly  fight, 
And  guards  me  through  the  war. 

3  A  friend  and  helper  so  divine 

My  fainting  hope  shall  raise. 
He  makes  the  glorious  vict'ry  mine, 
And  his  shall  be  the  praise. 

Hymn  191.  cm. 

1  \  R.E  not  thy  mercies  sov' reign  still, 
XJL  And  thou  a  faithful  God  ? 

Wilt  thou  not  grant  me  warmer  zeal, 
To  run  the  heav'nly  road? 

2  I  need  the  influence  of  thy  grace, 

To  speed  me  in  thy  way ; 


136  THE    INFLUENCE    OF 

Lest  I  should  loiter  in  my  race, 
Or  turn  my  feet  astray. 

3  Does  not  my  heart  thy  precepts  love, 

And  long  to  see  thy  face  ? 
And  yet  how  slow  my  spirits  move, 
Without  enliv'ning  grace  !  . 

4  Then  shall  I  love  thy  gospel  more, 

And  ne'er  forget  thy  word, 
When  I  have  felt  its  quick' ning  pow'r, 
To  draw  me  near  the  Lord. 

Hymn  192.  p.  m.  ss. 

1  T71  TERNAL  Spirit,  source  of  light, 
,  ■   A    Enliv'ning,  consecrating  fire, 
Descend,  and,  with  celestial  heat, 

Our  dull,  our  frozen  hearts  inspire ; 
Our  souls  refine,  our  dross  consume ; 
Come,  condescending  Spirit,  come ! 

2  In  our  cold  breasts,  O  strike  a  spark 

Of  that  pure  flame  which  seraphs  feel 
Nor  let  us  wander  in  the  dark, 

Or  lie  benumb'd  and  stupid  still. 
Come,  vivifying  Spirit,  come  ! 
And  make  our  hearts  thy  constant  home. 

3  Let  pure  devotion's  fervours  rise ! 

Let  ev'ry  pious  passion  glow  ! 
O  let  the  raptures  of  the  skies 

Kindle  in  our  cold  hearts  below. 
Come,  purifying  Spirit,  come, 
And  make  our  souls  thy  constant  home  ! 

Hymn  193.  s.  m. 

1   /^i  OD,  who  is  just  and  kind, 
VJT  Will  those  who  err  instruct, 
And  to  the  paths  of  righteousness, 
Their  wand' ring  steps  conduct. 


god's  holy  spirit.  137 

2  The  humble  soul  he  guides, 

Teaches  the  meek  his  way ; 
Kindness  and  truth  he  shows  to  all, 
Who  him  in  truth  obey. 

3  Give  me  the  tender  heart, 

That  mixes  fear  with  love : 
And  lead  me  through  whatever  path 
Thy  wisdom  shall  approve. 

4  O  ever  keep  my  soul 

From  error,  shame,  and  guilt; 
Nor  suffer  the  fair  hope  to  fail, 
Which  on  thy  tru^h  is  built. 

Hymn  194  l.  m. 

1  T)  RAISE  to  the  Lord  of  boundless  might, 
JL     With  uncreated  glories  bright ! 

His  presence  gilds  the  worlds  above, 
Th'  unchanging  source  of  life  and  love. 

2  "Let  there  be  light,"  Jehovah  said; 
And  light  o'er  all  the  earth  was  spread. 
Nature,  array;d  in  charms  unknown, 
Gay  with  its  new-born  lustre,  shone 

3  He  sees  the  mind,  when  lost  it  lies 
In  shades  of  ignorance  and  vice ; 
And  darts  from  heav'n  a  vivid  ray, 
And  changes  midnight  into  day. 

4  Shine,  mighty  God,  with  vigour  shine 
On  this  benighted  heart  of  mine ; 
There  be  thy  brighter  beams  reveal' d, 
As  in  the  Saviour's  face  beheld. 

5  Thine  image,  on  my  soul  impress' d, 
In  radiant  lines  shall  stand  confess'd; 
While  all  my  faculties  unite 

To  praise  the  Lord  who  gives  me  light. 


138  the  influence  of 

Hymn  195.  l.  m. 

1  CI  URE  the  blest  Comforter  is  nigh, 
k3   'Tis  he  sustains  my  fainting  heart; 
Else  would  my  hope  for  ever  die, 

And  ev'ry  cheering  ray  depart. 

2  When  some  kind  promise  glads  my  soul, 

Do  I  not  find  his  healing  voice 
The  tempest  of  my  fears  control, 

And  bid  my  drooping  pow'rs  rejoice? 

3  What  less  than  thine  almighty  word 

Can  raise  my  heart  from  earth  and  dust, 
And  bid  me  cleave  to  thee,  my  Lord? 
My  life,  my  treasure,  and  my  trust  ? 

4  And  when  my  cheerful  hope  can  say, 

"I  love  my  God  and  taste  his  grace;" 
Lord,  is  it  not  thy  blissful  ray, 

Which  brings  this  dawn  of  sacred  peace? 

5  Let  thy  kind  Spirit  in  my  heart 

For  ever  dwell,  O  God  of  love ; 

And  light  and  heavenly  peace  impart. 

Sweet  earnest  of  the  joys  above. 

Hymn  196.  l.  m. 

1  \  MIDST  a  world  of  hopes  and  fears, 
jl\-  A  world  of  cares,  and  toils,  and  tears, 
Where  foes  alarm,  and  dangers  threat, 
And  pleasures  kill,  and  glories  cheat: 

2  Send  down,  O  Lord !  a  heav'nly  ray 
To  guide  me  in  the  doubtful  way ; 
And  o'er  me  hold  thy  shield  of  pow'r, 
To  guard  me  in  the  dang'rous  hour. 

3  Teach  me  the  flatt'ring  paths  to  shun, 
In  which  the  thoughtless  many  run, 


god's  holy  spirit.  139 

Who  for  a  shade  the  substance  miss, 
And  grasp  their  ruin  in  their  bliss. 

4  May  never  pleasure,  wealth,  or  pride, 
Allure  my  wand' ring  soul  aside: 
But  through  this  maze  of  mortal  ill, 
Safe  lead  me  to  thy  heavnly  hill. 

Hymn  197.  l.  m. 

1  nn  EACH  me,  O  teach  me,  Lord  !  thy  way ; 

JL     That,  to  my  life's  remotest  day, 
By  thine  unerring  precepts  led, 
My  feet  thy  heavnly  paths  may  tread. 

2  Inform' d  by  thee,  with  sacred  awe 
My  heart  shall  meditate  thy  law ; 
And,  with  celestial  wisdom  fill'd, 
To  thee  a  pure  obedience  yield. 

3  Give  me  to  know  thy  will  aright, 
Thy  will,  my  glory  and  delight : 
That,  rais'd  above  the  world,  my  mind 
In  thee  its  highest  good  may  find. 

4  O  turn  from  vanity  mine  eye; 

To  me  thy  quick' ning  strength  supply  ; 
And  with  thy  promisd  mercy  cheer 
A  heart  devoted  to  thy  fear. 

Hymn  198.  c.  m. 

1  /~\  THAT  the  Lord  would  guide  my  ways, 
\J  To  keep  his  statutes  still ! 

O  that  my  God  would  grant  me  grace, 
To  know  and  do  his  will ! 

2  Order  my  footsteps  by  thy  word, 

And  make  my  heart  sincere ; 
Let  sin  have  no  dominion,  Lord, 
But  keep  my  conscience  clear. 
13 


140  THE    SCRIPTURES 

3  Assist  my  soul,  too  apt  to  stray, 

A  stricter  watch  to  keep; 
And,  should  I  e'er  forget  thy  way, 
Restore  thy  wand' ring  sheep. 

4  Make  me  to  walk  in  thy  commands; 

'Tis  a  delightful  road: 
Nor  let  my  head,  or  heart,  or  hands, 
Offend  against  my  God. 


XII. 

THE  SCRIPTURES. 


B 


Hymn  199.  s.  m. 

EHOLD  !  the  morning  sun 
Begins  his  glorious  way ; 
His  beams  through  all  the  nations  run, 
And  life  and  light  convey. 

But  where  the  gospel  comes, 

It  spreads  diviner  light ; 
It  calls  dead  sinners  from  their  tombs, 

And  gives  the  blind  their  sight. 

How  perfect  is  thy  word  ! 

And  all  thy  judgments  just ! 
For  ever  sure  thy  promise,  Lord, 

And  men  securely  trust. 

My  gracious  God  !  how  plain 

Are  thy  directions  giv'n ! 
O  may  I  never  read  in  vain, 

But  find  the  path  to  heav'n ! 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  141 

Hymn  200.  p.  m.  &s. 

11"  LOVE  the  volumes  of  thy  word  : 
A  What  light  and  joy  those  leaves  afford 

To  souls  benighted  and  distrest ! 
Thy  precepts  guide  my  doubtful  way; 
Thy  fear  forbids  my  feet  to  stray  ; 
Thy  promise  leads  my  heart  to  rest. 

2  From  the  discoveries  of  thy  law, 
The  perfect  rules  of  life  I  draw; 

These  are  my  study  and  delight : 
Not  honey  so  invites  the  taste, 
Nor  gold  that  hath  the  furnace  pass'd 

Appears  so  pleasing  to  the  sight. 

3  Thy  threat' nings  wake  my  slumb'ring  eyes, 
And  warn  me  where  my  danger  lies ; 

But  'tis  thy  blessed  gospel,  Lord, 
That  makes  my  guilty  conscience  clean, 
Converts  my  soul,  subdues  my  sin, 

And  gives  a  free,  but  large  reward. 

4  Who  knows  the  errors  of  his  thoughts? 
My  God  !  forgive  my  secret  faults, 

And  from  presumptuous  sins  restrain. 
Acoept  my  poor  attempts  of  praise, 
That  I  have  read  thy  book  of  grace 

And  book  of  nature  not  in  vain. 


B 


Hymn  201.  s.  m. 

EHOLD  !  the  lofly  sky 
Declares  its  Maker  God ; 
And  all  his  starry  works  on  high 
Proclaim  his  pow'r  abroad. 

The  darkness  and  the  light 

Still  keep  their  course  the  same ; 

While  night  to  day.  and  day  to  night, 
Divinely  teach  his  name. 


142  THE    SCRIPTURES. 

3  Ye  Christian  lands  rejoice ; 

Here  he  reveals  his  word : 
We  are  not  left  to  nature's  voice* 
To  bid  us  know  the  Lord. 

4  His  statutes  and  commands 

Are  set  before  our  eyes ; 
He  puts  his  gospel  in  our  hands, 
Where  our  salvation  lies. 

5  His  laws  are  just  and  pure, 

His  truth  without  deceit, 
His  promises  for  ever  sure, 
And  his  rewards  are  great. 

6  While  of  thy  works  I  sing. 

Thy  glory  to  proclaim ; 
Accept  the  praise,  my  God,  my  King, 
In  my  Redeemer's  name. 

Hymn  202.  c.  m. 

1  1  '    ET  all  the  heathen  writers  join, 

1   i   To  form  one  perfect  book  : 
Great  God  !  if  once  compar'd  with  thine, 
How  mean  their  writings  look  ! 

2  Not  the  most  perfect  rules  they  gave 

Could  shew  one  sin  forgiv'n, 
Nor  lead  a  step  beyond  the  grave : 
But  thine  conduct  to  heav'n. 

3  Lord,  I  have  made  thy  word  my  choice, 

My  lasting  heritage ; 
There  shall  my  noblest  pow'rs  rejoice, 
My  warmest  thoughts  engage. 

4  I'll  read  the  hist'ries  of  thy  love, 

And  keep  thy  laws  in  sight, 
While  through  thy  promises  I  rove 
With  ever  fresh  delight. 


THE    SCRIPTURES  143 

5  'Tis  a  broad  land  of  wealth  unknown, 
Where  springs  of  life  arise, 
Seeds  of  immortal  bliss  are  sown, 
And  hidden  glory  lies. 

Hymn  203.  cm. 

1  T    ET  av'rice,  borne  from  shore  to  shore, 

I   k    Her  fav'rite  god  pursue  : 
Thy  word,  O  Lord,  we  value  more 
Than  India  or  Peru. 

2  Here  mines  of  knowledge,  love,  and  joy, 

Are  open'd  to  our  sight; 
The  purest  gold  without  alloy, 
And  gems  divinely  bright. 

3  The  counsels  of  redeeming  grace 

These  sacred  leaves  unfold ; 
And  here  the  Saviour's  lovely  face 
Our  raptur'd  eyes  behold. 

4  Here  light,  descending  from  above, 

Directs  our  doubtful  feet ; 
Here  promises  of  heav'nly  love 
Our  ardent  wishes  meet. 

5  Our  num'rous  griefs  are  here  redrest, 

And  all  our  wants  supplied  : 
Nought  we  can  ask  to  make  us  blest, 
Is  in  this  book  denied. 

6  For  these  inestimable  gains, 

That  so  enrich  the  mind, 
O  may  we  search  with  eager  pains, 
Assur  d  that  we  shall  find  ! 

Hymn  204.  c.  m. 

1     IjI  ATHER  of  mercies,  in  thy  word 
X?     What  endless  glory  shines ! 
For  ever  be  thy  name  ador'd 
For  these  celestial  lines. 
13* 


144  THE    SCRIPTURES. 

2  Here  may  the  wretched  sons  of  want 

Exhaustless  riches  find ; 
Riches,  above  what  earth  can  grant, 
And  lasting  as  the  mind. 

3  Here  the  fair  tree  of  knowledge  grows, 

And  yields  a  free  repast ; 
Sublimer  sweets  than  nature  knows 
Invite  the  longing  taste. 

4  Here  the  Redeemer's  welcome  voice 

Spreads  heav'nly  peace  around; 
And  life  and  everlasting  joys 
Attend  the  blissful  sound. 

5  O  may  these  heav'nly  pages  be 

My  ever  dear  delight ; 
And  still  new  beauties  may  I  see, 
And  still  increasing  light ! 

6  Divine  Instructor,  gracious  Lord ! 

Be  thou  for  ever  near. 
Teach  me  to  love  thy  sacred  word* 
And  view  my  Saviour  there. 

Hymn  205.  l.  m. 

1  T7J  AR  hence,  each  superstition  vain, 
JO     Wild  offspring  of  the  human  brain  ! 
The  truths,  that  fill  thy  hallow'd  page, 

My  happier  choice,  great  God !  engage* 

2  O  ever  faithful  to  thy  word, 

Do  thou  thy  vital  strength  afford ; 
Thy  help  impart,  eternal  Sire  ! 
Nor  let  my  hope  in  shame  expire. 

3  Sustain' d  by  thine  almighty  aid, 

What  danger  shall  my  soul  invade? 
Nor  error's  cloud,  nor  arts  of  sin 
My  soul  from  thine  obedience  wins. 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  145 

Hymn  206.  c.  m. 

1  TTOW  precious  is  the  book  divine, 
JL  JL  By  inspiration  giv'n ! 

Briglit  as  a  lamp  its  doctrines  shine, 
To  guide  our  souls  to  heav'n. 

2  It  sweetly  cheers  our  drooping  hearts 

In  this  dark  vale  of  tears; 
Life,  light,  and  joy,  it  still  imparts, 
And  quells  our  rising  fears. 

3  This  Lamp,  through  all  the  tedious  night 

Of  life,  shall  guide  our  way, 
Till  we  behold  the  clearer  light 
Of  an  eternal  day. 

Hymn  207.  c.  m. 

1  "VETHAT  glory  gilds  the  sacred  page, 

T  f      Majestic  like  the  sun  I 
It  gives  a  light  to  ev'ry  age; 
It  gives,  but  borrows  none. 

2  The  hand,  that  gave  it,  still  supplies 

His  gracious  light  and  heat. 
His  truths  upon  the  nations  rise; 
They  rise,  but  never  set. 

3  Let  everlasting  thanks  be  thine, 

For  such  a  bright  display, 
As  makes  a  world  of  darkness  shine 
With  beams  of  heav'nly  day. 

4  My  soul  rejoices  to  pursue 

The  paths  of  truth  and  love, 
Till  glory  breaks  upon  my  view 
In  brighter  worlds  above. 


LAi 


Hymn  208.  c.  m. 

ADEN  with  guilt,  and  full  of  fears 
fly  to  thee,  my  Lord; 


146  THE    SCRIPTURES. 

And  not  a  ray  of  hope  appears, 
But  in  thy  written  word. 

2  The  volume  of  my  Father's  grace 

Does  all  my  grief  assuage  ; 
Here  I  behold  my  Saviour's  face 
Almost  in  ev'ry  page. 

3  This  is  the  field,  where  hidden  lies 

The  pearl  of  price  unknown; 
That  merchant  is  divinely  wise, 
Who  makes  the  pearl  his  own. 

4  This  is  the  judge,  that  ends  the  strife, 

Where  wit  and  reason  fail ; 
My  guide  to  everlasting  life, 
Through  all  this  gloomy  vale. 

5  O  may  thy  counsels,  mighty  God  ! 

My  roving  feet  command ; 
Nor  I  forsake  the  happy  rQad, 
That  leads  to  thy  right  hand ! 

Hymn  209.  l.  m. 

1  £^i  OD,  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son, 
VJT  Makes  his  eternal  counsels  known : 
Tis  here  his  richest  mercy  shines, 

And  truth  is  drawn  in  fairest  lines. 

2  Wisdom  its  dictates  here  imparts, 

To  form  our  minds,  to  cheer  our  hearts ; 
Its  influence  makes  the  sinner  live, 
It  bids  the  drooping  saint  revive. 

3  Our  raging  passions  it  controls, 
And  comfort  yields  to  contrite  souls; 
It  brings  a  better  world  in  view, 

And  guides  us  all  our  journey  through. 

4  May  this  blest  volume  ever  lie 

Close  to  my  heart,  and  near  mine  eye ; 


THE    SCRIPTURES.  147 

Till  life's  last  hour  my  soul  engage, 
And  be  my  chosen  heritage  ! 

Hymn  210.  l.  m. 

1  '  r  1 1  WAS  by  an  order  from  the  Lord, 

JL     The  ancient  prophets  spoke  his  word ! 
His  spirit  did  their  tongues  inspire, 
And  warm'd  their  hearts  with  heav'nly  fire. 

2  The  works  and  wonders,  which  they  wrought, 
Confirm' d  the  messages  they  brought. 

The  prophet's  pen  succeeds  his  breath, 
To  save  the  holy  words  from  death. 

3  Great  God !  mine  eyes  with  pleasure  look 
On  the  dear  volume  of  thy  book ; 

There  my  Redeemer's  face  I  see, 
And  read  his  name  who  died  for  me. 

4  Let  the  false  raptures  of  the  mind 
Be  lost,  and  vanish  in  the  wind. 
Here  I  can  fix  my  hope  secure : 
This  is  thy  word,  and  must  endure. 


XIII. 

SUPPLICATION  FOR  THE  DIVINE  FA- 
VOUR AND  ASSISTANCE. 


Hymn  211.  c.  m. 

ATHER  of  all!  eternal  mind! 
Immensely  good  and  great ! 
Thy  children,  form'd  and  bless' d  by  thee, 
Approach  thy  heav'nly  seat. 


F 


148  SUPPLICATION    FOR    THE 

2  Thy  name  in  hallow7 d  strains  be  sung: 

We  join  the  solemn  praise ; 
To  thy  great  name,  with  heart  and  tongue, 
Our  cheerful  homage  raise. 

3  Thy  mild,  thy  wise,  and  righteous  reign, 

Let  ev'ry  being  own  : 
And  in  our  minds,  thy  work  divine, 
Erect  thy  gracious  throne. 

4  As  angels  in  the  heav'nly  worlds 

Thy  bless' d  commands  fulfil; 
So  may  thy  creatures  here  below 
Perform  thy  holy  will. 

5  On  thee  we  day  by  day  depend : 

Our  daily  wants  supply ; 
With  truth  and  virtue  feed  our  souls, 
That  they  may  never  die. 

6  Extend  thy  grace  to  ev'ry  fault; 

Oh  !  let  thy  love  forgive. 
Teach  us  divine  forgiveness  too, 
Nor  let  resentments  live. 

7  Where  tempting  snares  bestrew  the  way, 

Permit  us  not  to  tread ; 
Or  turn  all  real  evil  far 
From  our  unguarded  head. 

8  Thy  sacred  name  we  would  adore 

With  cheerful,  humble  mind ; 
And  praise  thy  goodness,  pow'r,  and  truth, 
Eternal,  unconfin'd ! 

Hymn  212.  c.  m. 

1     \  UTHOR  of  good !  we  rest  on  thee : 
JlJL  Thine  ever-watchful  eye 
Alone  our  real  wants  can  see, 
Thy  hand  alone  supply. 


DIVINE    FAVOUR,    &C.  149 

2  Oh  !  let  thy  pow'r  within  us  dwell 

Thy  love  our  footsteps  guide ! 
That  love  shall  vainer  loves  expel, 
That  fear  all  fears  beside. 

3  And  since,  by  passion's  force  subdu'd, 

Too  oft,  with  stubborn  will, 

We  blindly  shun  the  latent  good 

And  grasp  the  specious  ill : 

4  Not  what  we  wish,  but  what  we  want, 

Let  mercy  still  supply  : 
The  good,  unask'd,  let  mercy  grant, 
The  ill,  though  ask'd,  deny. 


o 


Hymn  213.  c.  m. 

GOD  of  Jacob,  by  whose  hand 
Thy  people  still  are  fed ; 
Who,  through  this  weary  pilgrimage, 
Hast  all  our  fathers  led ! 

To  thee  our  humble  vows  we  raise, 
To  thee  address  our  pray'r; 

And  in  thy  kind  and  faithful  breast 
Deposit  all  our  care. 

Through  each  perplexing  path  of  life 
Our  wand'  ring  footsteps  guide ; 

Give  us  by  day  our  daily  bread, 
And  raiment  fit  provide. 

O  !  spread  thy  cov'ring  wings  around, 
Till  all  our  wand' rings  cease; 

And  at  our  fathers'  lov'd  abode 
Our  souls  arrive  in  peace  ! 

To  thee,  as  to  our  cov'nant-God, 
We'll  our  whole  selves  resign; 

And  thankful  own,  that  all  we  are, 
And  all  we  have,  is  thine. 


150  SUPPLICATION   FOR   THE 


Hymn  214.  c.  m. 

1  T71 ATHER  of  all !  whose  cares  extend 
-17     To  earth's  remotest  shore  : 
Through  ev'ry  age  let  praise  ascend, 

And  ev'ry  clime  adore. 

2  If  I  am  right,  thy  grace  impart, 

Still  in  the  right  to  stay : 
If  I  am  wrong,  O  teach  my  heart, 
To  find  that  better  way ! 

3  What  conscience  dictates  to  be  done, 

Or  warns  me  not  to  do : 
This,  teach  me  more  than  hell  to  shun ; 
That,  more  than  heav'n  pursue. 

4  Save  me  alike  from  foolish  pride, 

Or  impious  discontent 
At  aught  thy  wisdom  has  deny'd, 
Or  aught  thy  goodness  lent. 

5  Let  not  this  weak  unknowing  hand 

Presume  thy  bolts  to  throw, 
And  deal  damnation  round  the  land, 
On  each  I  judge  thy  foe. 

6  Teach  me  to  feel  another's  wo, 

To  hide  the  fault  I  see. 
That  mercy  I  to  others  show, 
That  mercy  show  to  me. 

7  This  day  be  bread  and  peace  my  lot : — 

All  else  beneath  the  sun, 
Thou  know'st  if  best  bestow'd  or  not; 
And  let  thy  will  be  done. 

8  To  thee,  whose  temple  is  all  space; 
■       Whose  altar,  earth,  sea,  skies : 

One  chorus  let  all  beings  raise, 
All  nature's  incense  rise ! 


&c.  151 

Hymn  215.  s.  m. 

1  A  LMIGHTY  Lord  of  all ! 
-l\.  Of  life  the  only  spring  ! 
Creator  of  unnumber'd  worlds! 

Supreme,  eternal  King ! 

2  Preserve  me  from  deceit, 

Impenitence,  and  pride ; 
Nor  let  me  in  forbidden  paths, 
With  thoughtless  sinners,  glide. 

3  What  thine  unerring  eye 

Sees  for  thy  creature  fit : 
111  bless  the  good,  and  to  the  ill 

Contentedly  submit. 

4  With  pleasure  let  me  view 

The  prosp'rous  and  the  great; 
Malignant  envy  let  me  fly, 
And  odious  self-conceit. 

5  Let  no  despair,  revenge, 

Be  to  my  bosom  known  : 
Oh  !  give  me  tears  for  others'  woes, 
And  patience  for  my  own. 

6  Feed  me  with  needful  food  : 

I  ask  not  wealth  or  fame. 

Give  me  an  eye  to  see  thy  will, 

A  heart  to  bless  thy  name. 

7  Still  let  my  days  be  pass'd 

Without  remorse  or  care : 
And  growing  holiness  my  soul 
For  life's  last  hour  prepare ! 


F 


Hymn  216.  c.  m. 

ATHER  of  mercies!  God  of  love! 
My  father  and  my  God ! 
14 


152  SUPPLICATION    FOR    THE 

I'll  sing  the  honours  of  thy  name, 
And  spread  thy  praise  abroad. 

2  In  ev'ry  period  of  my  life, 

Thy  thoughts  of  love  appear : 
Thy  mercies  gild  the  transient  scene, 
And  crown  each  passing  year. 

3  In  all  these  mercies  may  my  soul 

A  Father's  bounty  see; 
Nor  let  the  gifts  thy  grace  bestows, 
Estrange  my  heart  from  thee. 

4  Teach  me,  in  times  of  deep  distress 

To  own  thy  hand,  O  God  ! 
And  in  submissive  silence  hear 
The  lessons  of  thy  rod. 

5  Through  ev'ry  changing  state  of  life, 

Each  bright,  each  clouded  scene, 
Give  me  a  meek  and  humble  mind, 
Still  equal  and  serene. 

6  Then  may  I  close  mine  eyes  in  death, 

Free  from  all  anxious  fear : 
For  death  itself  is  life,  my  God ! 
If  thou  art  with  me  there. 

Hymn  217.  c.  m. 

1  npO  thee,  O  God !  my  pray'r  ascends, 

JL     But  not  for  golden  stores; 
Nor  covet  I  the  brightest  gems 
On  the  rich  eastern  shores : — 

2  Nor  that  deluding  empty  joy 

Men  call  a  mighty  name, 
Nor  greatness  with  its  pride  and  state, 
My  restless  thoughts  inflame  : — 

3  Nor  pleasure's  fascinating  charms 

My  fond  desires  allure  : 


DIVINE    FAVOUR,  &,C.  153 

But  nobler  things  than  these,  from  thee, 
My  wishes  would  secure. 

4  The  faith  and  hope  of  joys  to  come 

My  best  affections  move ; 
Thy  light,  thy  favour,  and  thy  smiles, 
Thine  everlasting  love. 

5  These  are  the  blessings  I  desire : 

Lord,  be  these  blessings  mine  ! 
And  all  the  glories  of  the  world 
I  cheerfully  resign. 

Hymn  218.  c.  m. 

1  ~]%/rY  God,  my  portion,  and  my  love  ! 
_lT_L  My  everlasting  all ! 

I've  none  but  thee  in  heav'n  above, 
Or  on  this  earthly  ball. 

2  In  vain  the  bright  meridian  sun 

Scatters  his  feeble  light : 
Thy  brighter  beams  create  my  noon; 
If  thou  withdraw,  :tis  night.  . 

3  And  while  upon  my  restless  bed, 

Amongst  the  shades  I  roll ; 

If  God  his  light  around  me  shed, 

;Tis  morning  with  my  soul. 

4  To  thee  I  owe  my  wealth  and  friends, 

And  health,  and  safe  abode. - 
Thanks  to  thy  name  for  meaner  things ; 
But  they  are  not  my  God. 

5  If  I  possess' d  the  spacious  earth, 

And  call'd  the  stars  my  own  : 
Without  thy  mercy  and  thy  love, 
I  were  a  wretch  undone. 

C)  Let  others  stretch  their  arms  like  seas, 
And  grasp  in  all  the  shore : 


154  SUPPLICATION    FOR    THE 

Grant  me  to  see  thy  blissful  face, 
And  I  desire  no  more ! 

Hymn  219.  c.  m. 

1  f~*i  OD,  my  supporter  and  my  hope, 
VJT  My  help  for  ever  near  ! 
Thine  arm  of  mercy  holds  me  up, 

And  saves  me  from  despair. 

2  Thy  counsels,  Lord !  shall  guide  my  feet 

Through  this  dark  wilderness ; 
Thy  hand  conduct  me  near  thy  seat, 
To  dwell  before  thy  face. 

3  What  if  the  springs  of  life  were  broke, 

And  flesh  and  heart  should  faint  ? 
God  is  my  soul's  eternal  rock, 
The  strength  of  ev'ry  saint. 

4  Behold,  the  sinners,  that  remove 

Far  from  thy  presence,  die  : 
Not  all  the  idol-gods  they  love 
Can  save  them,  when  they  cry. 

5  But  to  draw  near  to  thee,  my  God ! 

Shall  be  my  sweet  employ. 
My  tongue  shall  sound  thy  works  abroad, 
And  tell  the  world  my  joy. 

Hymn  220.  l.  m. 

1  /^i  REAT  God,  indulge  my  humble  claim 
vJ~  Be  thou  my  hope,  my  joy,  my  rest ! 
The  glories,  that  compose  thy  name, 
Stand  all  engag'd  to  make  me  blest. 

2  Thou  great  and  good,  thou  just  and  wise, 
Thou  art  my  Father  and  my  God  ! 
And  I  am  thine  by  sacred  ties, 

Thy  child  and  servant,  bought  with  blood. 


DIVINE    FAVOUR,  &C.  155 

3  With  heart  and  eyes  and  lifted  hands, 

For  thee  I  long,  for  thee  I  look, 
As  travellers  in  thirsty  lands 

Pant  for  the  cooling  water-brook. 

4  E'en  life  itself  without  thy  love, 

No  lasting  pleasure  can  afford : 
Yea,  'twould  a  tiresome  burden  prove, 
If  I  were  banish' d  from  thee,  Lord. 

5  I'll  lift  my  hands,  I'll  raise  my  voice, 

While  I  have  breath  to  pray  or  praise. 
This  work  shall  make  my  heart  rejoice, 
Throughout  the  remnant  of  mv  davs. 

Hymn  221.  l.  m. 

1  f~\   THOU,  to  whose  all-searching  sight, 
V^   The  darkness  shineth  as  the  light ! 
Search,  prove  my  heart ;  it  pants  for  thee : 

"O  burst  these  bonds,  and  set  it  free. 

2  Wash  out  its  stains,  refine  its  dross ; 
Nad  my  affections  to  the  cross ; 
Hallow  each  thought ;  let  all  within 
Be  clean,  as  thou,  my  Lord,  art  clean. 

If  in  this  darksome  wild  I  stray, 

Be  thou  my  light,  be  thou  my  way. 

No  foes,  no  violence  I  fear, 

No  fraud,  while  thou,  my  God,  art  near. 

When  rising  floods  my  soul  o'erflow, 
When  sinks  my  heart  in  waves  of  wo ; 
Saviour,  thy  timely  aid  impart, 
And  raise  my  head,  and  cheer  my  heart. 

If  rough  and  thorny  be  the  way, 
My  strength  proportion  to  my  day ; 
Till  toil,  and  grief,  and  pain  shall  cease, 
Where  all  is  calm  and  joy  and  peace. 
14* 


156        supplication  for  the 
Hymn  222.  l.  m. 

1  T>ESET  with  snares  on  ev'ry  hand, 
_13   In  life's  uncertain  path  I  stand  : 
Father  divine  !  diffuse  thy  light, 

To  guide  my  doubtful  footsteps  right. 

2  Engage  this  frail,  this  wav'ring  heart, 
Wisely  to  choose  the  better  part ; 

To  scorn  the  trifles  of  a  day, 
For  joys  that  never  fade  away. 

3  Then  let  the  wildest  storms  arise ; 
Let  tempests  mingle  earth  and  skies : 
No  fatal  shipwreck  shall  I  fear, 

But  all  my  treasures  with  me  bear. 

4  If  thou,  my  Father  !  still  be  nigh, 
Cheerful  I  live,  and  joyful  die ; 
Secure,  when  mortal  comforts  flee, 
To  find  ten  thousand  worlds  in  thee. 

Hymn  223.  c.  m. 

1  IVTY  God,  the  visits  of  thy  face 
_LT _1_  Afford  superior  joy 

To  all  the  flatt'ring  world  can  give, 
Or  mortal  hopes  employ. 

2  But  clouds  and  darkness  intervene, 

My  brightest  joys  decline ; 
And  earth's  gay  trifles  oft  ensnare 
This  wand' ring  heart  of  mine. 

3  Lord,  guide  this  wand' ring  heart  to  thee; 

Unsatisfy'd  I  stray; 
Break  through  the  shades  of  sense  and  sin 
With  thy  enliv'ning  ray. 

4  O  let  thy  beams  resplendent  shine, 

And  ev'ry  cloud  remove; 
Transform  my  pow'rs,  and  fit  my  soul 
For  happier  scenes  above. 


DIVINE    FAVOUR,    &c.  157 

5  Lord,  raise  my  faith,  my  hope,  my  heart, 

To  those  transporting  joys : 
Then  shall  I  scorn  each  little  snare, 
Which  this  vain  world  employs. 

6  Then,  though  I  sink  in  death's  cold  sleep, 

To  life  I  shall  awake; 
And,  in  the  likeness  of  my  God, 
Of  heaVnly  bliss  partake. 

Hymn  224.  l.  m. 

1  TN  vain  my  roving  thoughts  would  find 
_l_  A  portion  worthy  of  the  mind : 

On  earth  my  soul  can  never  rest, 
For  earth  can  never  make  me  blest. 

2  Can  lasting  happiness  be  found, 
Where  seasons  roll  their  hasty  round, 
And  days  and  hours  with  rapid  flight 
Sweep  cares  and  pleasures  out  of  sight? 

3  Arise,  my  thoughts !  my  heart  arise  ! 
Leave  this  vain  world,  and  seek  the  skies : 
There  joys  for  evermore  shall  last, 
When  seasons,  days,  and  hours  are  past. 

4  Thy  mercy,  Lord,  to  me  impart : 

O  raise  my  thoughtless,  wand' ring  heart 
To  pleasures  perfect  and  sublime, 
Unmeasur  d  by  the  wings  of  time. 

5  Let  those  bright  worlds  of  endless  joy 
My  thoughts,  my  hopes,  my  cares  employ. 
No  more,  ye  restless  passions,  roam : 
God  is  my  bliss,  and  heav'n  my  home. 


158        THE  DANGER  AND 

XIV. 

THE  DANGER  AND  MISERY  OF  SIN. 


Hymn  225.  l.  m. 

1  1%/TAN  has  a  soul  of  vast  desires ; 
J_TJL  He  burns  within  with  restless  fires. 
Toss'd  to  and  fro,  his  passions  fly 

From  vanity  to  vanity. 

2  In  vain  on  earth  we  hope  to  find 
Some  solid  good  to  fill  the  mind  ; 
We  try  new  pleasures,  but  we  feel 
The  inward  thirst  and  torment  still. 

3  So,  when  a  raging  fever  burns, 
We  shift  from  side  to  side  by  turns: 
And  'tis  a  poor  relief  we  gain, 

To  change  the  place,  but  keep  the  pain. 

4  Great  God !  subdue  this  vicious  thirst, 
This  love  to  vanity  and  dust ; 

Cure  the  vile  fever  of  the  mind, 
And  feed  our  souls  with  joys  refin'd. 

Hymn  226.  c.  m. 

1  "V1THEN  in  the  light  of  faith  divine 

▼  f      We  look  on  tilings  below ; 

Honour,  and  gold,  and  sensual  joy, 

How  vain  and  dang'  rous  too  ! 

2  Honour's  a  puff  of  noisy  breath: 

Yet  men  expose  their  blood, 
And  venture  everlasting  death, 
To  gain  that  airy  good. 


MISERY    OF    SIX.  159 

3  Whilst  others  starve  the  nobler  mind, 

And  feed  on  shining  dust, 

They  sacrifice  eternal  bliss 

To  mean  and  sordid  lust. 

4  The  pleasures,  which  allure  our  sense, 

Are  dangrous  snares  to  souls  : 
There's  but  a  drop  of  flatt'ring  sweet, 
And  dash'd  with  bitter  bowls. 

5  God  is  my  all-sufficient  good, 

My  portion  and  my  choice; 

In  him  my  vast  desires  are  fill'd, 

And  all  my  pow'rs  rejoice. 

Hymn  227.  c.  m. 

1  OIXNERS!  the  voice  of  God  regard: 
k3   :Tis  mercy  speaks  to-day: 

He  calls  you  by  his  gracious  word 
From  sin's  destructive  way. 

2  Like  the  rough  sea  that  cannot  rest, 

You  live  devoid  of  peace; 
A  thousand  stings  within  your  breast 
Deprive  your  souls  of  ease. 

3  Your  way  is  dark,  and  leads  to  hell: 

Why  will  you  persevere? 
Can  you  in  frightful  torments  dwell, 
Shut  up  in  black  despair  ? 

4  Bow  to  the  sceptre  of  his  word, 

Renouncing  ev'ry  sin; 
Submit  to  him,  your  sov' reign  Lord, 
And  learn  his  will  divine. 

Hymn  228.  l.  m. 

1  ^¥7~HY  will  ye  lavish  out  your  years 
f  f      Amidst  a  thousand  trifling  cares? 


160  THE    DANGER    AND 

While,  in  the  various  range  of  thought, 
The  one  thing  needful  is  forgot. 

2  Why  will  ye  chase  the  fleeting  wind, 
And  famish  an  immortal  mind ; 
While  angels  with  regret  look  down, 
To  see  you  spurn  a  heav'nly  crown? 

3  Th'  eternal  God  calls  from  above, 
And  Jesus  pleads  his  dying  love; 
Awaken' d  conscience  gives  you  pain: 
And  shall  they  join  their  pleas  in  vain? 

4  Not  so  your  dying  eyes  shall  view 
Those  objects,  which  ye  now  pursue. 
Not  so  shall  heav'n  and  hell  appear, 
When  the  decisive  hour  is  near. 

5  Almighty  God !  thine  aid  impart, 
To  fix  conviction  on  the  heart. 

Thy  pow'r  can  clear  the  darkest  eyes, 
And  make  th*  haughtiest  scorner  wise. 

Hymn  229.  c.  m. 

1  TTOW  long  shall  dreams  of  creature-bliss 
JTX  Our  flatt'ring  hopes  employ, 

And  mock  our  fond  deluded  eyes 
With  visionary  joy  % 

2  How  wretched  they,  that  leave  the  Lord 

And  from  his  word  withdraw, 
That  lose  his  gospel  from  their  sight 
And  wander  from  his  law ! 

3  O  thou  eternal  spring  of  good, 

Whence  living  waters  flow ! 
Let  not  our  thirsty,  erring  souls 
To  broken  cisterns  go. 

4  Like  characters  inscrib'd  in  dust, 

Are  sinners  borne  away : 


MISERY    OF    SIN.  161 

And  all  the  treasures  they  can  boast, 
The  portion  of  a  day. 

Hymn  230.  c.  m. 

1  T^7"HO  shall  against  the  Lord  prevail? 

▼  f      Or  who  presume  to  say, 
"  That  righteous  law,  which  God  proclaims, 
I  dare  to  disobey  ?  " 

2  Ten  thousand  actions  ev'ry  where 

The  impious  language  speak  : 
Yet  pow'r  omnipotent  stands  by, 
Nor  do  its  thunders  break. 

3  But,  0  !  the  dreadful  day  draws  near, 

When  God's  avenging  hand 
Shall  shew,  if  feeble  mortals'  breath, 
Or  God's  own  word  shall  stand. 

4  My  soul,  with  rev'rence  prostrate  fall, 

Before  the  voice  divine ; 
And  all  thine  intrest  and  thy  pow'rs 
To  his  command  resign. 

5  Let  the  vain  sons  of  Belial  boast, 

Their  tongues  and  thoughts  are  free  : 
My  noblest  liberty  I  own, 
When  subject  most  to  thee. 

Hymn  231.  l.  m. 

1  \  RISE,  my  tend' rest  thoughts,  arise; 
-l\-  To  torrents  melt  my  streaming  eyes ; 
And  thou,  my  heart,  with  anguish  feel 
Those  evils  which  thou  canst  not  heal. 

2  See  human  nature  sunk  in  shame; 
See  scandals  pour'd  on  Jesus'  name; 
The  Father  wounded  through  the  Son  ; 
The  world  abus'd,  the  soul  undone. 


162      THE  DANGER  AND 

3  My  God  !  I  feel  the  mournful  scene ; 
My  bowels  yearn  o'er  dying  men; 
And  fain  my  pity  would  reclaim, 

And  snatch  the  firebrands  from  the  flame. 

4  But  feeble  my  compassion  proves, 
And  can  but  weep,  where  most  it  loves. 
Thine  own  all-saving  arm  employ, 
And  turn  these  drops  of  grief  to  joy. 

Hymn  232.  cm. 

1  T" NDULGENT  God !  with  pitying  eye 
J_  The  sons  of  men  survey. 

Alas  !  how  thoughtless  mortals  sport 
In  sin's  destructive  way  ! 

2  Ten  thousand  dangers  lurk  around, 

To  bear  them  to  the  tomb : 
Each  passing  hour  may  place  them  where 
Repentance  cannot  come. 

3  Reclaim,  O  Lord!  their  wand' ring  minds, 

Amus'd  by  airy  dreams ; 
That  heav'nly  wisdom  may  dispel 
Their  visionary  schemes. 

4  Guide  and  direct  them  by  thy  word, 

Their  dang'rous  state  to  see; 
That  they  may  seek  and  find  the  path, 
That  leads  to  heav'n  and  thee. 

Hymn  233.  s.m. 

Evil  effects  of  neglected  education. 

1  TJEHOLD,  O  Israel's  God! 
Jt>   From  thine  exalted  throne, 
And  view  the  dang'rous  state  of  those 
Thou  call'st  to  be  thine  own. 


M1NKRY    OF    SIN.  163 

2  The  children  of  thy  flock, 

By  early  cov'nant  thine, 
See,  how  they  pour  their  bleeding  souls, 
On  ev'ry  idol's  shrine  ! 

3  To  indolence  and  pride 

What  piteous  victims  made  ! 
Crush' d  in  their  parents'  fond  embrace, 
And  by  their  love  betray'd. 

4  By  pleasure's  polish'd  dart 

What  numbers  here  are  slain! 
What  numbers  there  for  slaughter  bound 
In  Mammon" s  golden  chain! 

5  O  let  thine  arm  awake 

And  dash  the  idols  down : 
O  call  the  captives  of  their  pow'r, 
Thy  treasure  and  thy  crown. 

6  Thee  let  the  fathers  own, 

And  thee  the  sons  adore : 
Join'd  to  the  Lord  by  solemn  vows, 
To  be  forgot  no  more  ! 

Hymn  234.  s.  m. 

1  r¥l  HE  man  is  ever  blest, 

JL     Who  shuns  the  sinners'  ways ; 
Amongst  their  councils  never  stands, 
Nor  takes  the  scorner's  place; 

2  But  makes  the  law  of  God 

His  study  and  delight, 
Amidst  the  labours  of  the  day, 
And  watches  of  the  night. 

3  He  like  a  tree  shall  thrive, 

With  waters  near  the  root ; 
Fresh  as  the  leaf  his  name  shall  live; 
His  works  are  heav'nly  fruit. 
15 


164  THE    DANGER    AND 

4  Not  so  th'  ungodly  race, 

They  no  such  blessings  find  ; 
Their  hopes  shall  flee  like  empty  chafF 
Before  the  driving  wind. 

5  How  will  they  bear  to  stand 

Before  that  judgment-seat, 
Where  all  the  saints  at  Christ's  right  hand 
In  full  assembly  meet? 

6  He  knows  and  he  approves 

The  way  the  righteous  go : 
But  sinners  and  their  works  shall  meet 
A  dreadful  overthrow. 

Hymn  235.  c.  m. 

1  /^\H  !  how  my  fears  the  dangers  move, 
V_J^   That  virtue's  path  enclose  ! 
While  I  the  wise  pursuit  approve, 

Alas,  what  toils  oppose  ! 

2  For,  see  !  ah,  see  !  while  yet  her  ways 

With  doubtful  step  I  tread, 

A  hostile  world  its  terrors  raise, 

Its  snares  delusive  spread. 

3  Oh  !  how  shall  I,  with  heart  prepar'd, 

Those  terrors  learn  to  meet ; 
How,  from  the  thousand  snares,  to  guard 
And  to  restrain  my  feet? 

4  But,  why  art  thou  cast  down,  my  soul  ? 

Say  why,  distrustful  still, 
Thy  thoughts  with  vain  impatience  roll 
O'er  scenes  of  future  ill ! 

5  Let  faith  suppress  each  rising  fear, 

Each  anxious  doubt  exclude : 
Thy  Maker's  will  hath  plac'd  thee  here, 
Thy  Maker  wise  and  good. 


MISERY    OF    SIN.  165 

6  He  to  thy  ev'ry  trial  knows 

Its  just  restraints  to  give; 
Attentive  to  behold  thy  woes, 
And  faithful  to  relieve. 

7  Though  griefs  unnumber'd  throng  thee  round, 

Still  in  thy  God  confide ; 
Whose  finger  marks  the  seas  their  bound, 
And  curbs  the  rolling  tide. 


Hymn  236.  l.m. 

1  \  WAKE,  my  soul !  lift  up  thine  eyes; 
JTjL  See  where  thy  foes  against  thee  rise 
In  long  array,  a  num'rous  host : 
Awake,  my  soul !  or  thou  art  lost. 

2  Here  giant  danger  threat' ning  stands, 
Must  ring  his  pale  terrific  bands; 
There  pleasure's  silken  banner's  spread, 
And  willing  souls  are  captive  led. 

3  See  where  rebellious  passions  rage, 
And  fierce  desires  and  lusts  engage ; 
The  meanest  foe  of  all  the  train 

Has  thousands  and  ten  thousands  slain. 

4  Thou  tread' st  upon  enchanted  ground; 
Perils  and  snares  beset  thee  round  : 
Beware  of  all,  guard  ev'ry  part, 

But  most,  the  traitor  in  thy  heart. 

5  Come,  then,  my  soul !  now  learn  to  wield 
The  weight  of  thine  immortal  shield; 
Put  on  the  armour  from  above 

Of  heav'nly  truth  and  heav'nly  love. 

6  The  terror  and  the  charm  repel, 

And  pow'rs  of  earth,  and  pow'rs  of  hell. 
Thy  Lord  and  Captain  triumph' d  here: 
Why  should  his  faithful  fol'wers  fear? 


166  THE    DANGER    AND 

Hymn  237.  c.  m. 

1  T    ORD,  when  iniquities  abound, 
■   i   And  growing  crimes  appear ; 
We  view  the  deluge  rising  round, 
With  sorrow  and  with  fear. 

2  Yet,  when  its  waves  most  fiercely  beat, 

And  spread  destruction  wide ; 
Thy  Spirit  can  a  standard  raise, 
To  stem  the  roaring  tide. 

3  May  thy  triumphant  arm  awake, 

Thy  sacred  cause  to  plead; 
And  let  the  multitude  confess, 
That  thou  art  God  indeed. 

4  O  let  thy  grace  dispose  their  hearts, 

To  bow  before  thy  hand; 
And  let  their  stubborn  necks  be  bent, 
To  own  thy  just  command. 

5  Our  feeble  souls  do  thou  support ; 

In  us  thy  pow'r  display : 
And  multitudes  shall  strive  in  vain 
To  draw  us  from  thy  way. 

Hymn  238.  c.  m. 

1  ¥  1 1  HE  Lord  into  his  vineyard  comes, 

JL     Our  various  fruit  to  see ; 
His  eye,  more  piercing  than  the  light, 
Examines  ev'ry  tree. 

2  Tremble,  ye  sinners,  at  his  frown, 

If  barren  still  ye  stand ; 
And  fear  that  keenly-wounding  axe, 
Which  arms  his  awful  hand. 

3  Lord,  we  adore  thy  sparing  love, 

Thy  long-expecting  grace : 


MISERY    OF    SIN.  167 

Else  had  we  low  in  ruin  fall'n, 
And  known  no  more  our  place. 

4  Succeeding  years  thy  patience  waits; 
Nor  let  it  wait  in  vain  : 
But  form  in  us  abundant  fruit, 
And  still  this  fruit  maintain. 

Hymn  239.  l.  m. 

1  T>  AISE,  thoughtless  sinner,  raise  thine  eye; 
XV  Behold  God's  balance  lifted  high : 
There  shall  his  justice  be  display'd, 

And  there  thy  hope  and  life  be  weigh' d. 

2  See  in  one  scale  his  perfect  law ; 

Mark  with  what  force  its  precepts  draw : 

Would' st  thou  the  awful  test  sustain, 

Thy  works  how  light !  thy  thoughts  how  vain ! 

3  Great  God  !  exert  thy  pow'r  to  save; 
Deep  on  the  heart  this  truth  engrave ; 
Disperse  the  mist  from  sinners'  eyes, 
And  make  the  wretched  triflers  wise. 

4  O  let  them  seize  the  present  day, 
Nor  risk  salvation  by  delay ; 

And,  while  they  tremble,  let  them  flee, 
And  find  their  help,  their  life,  in  thee. 


REPENTANCE  AND  CONVERSION. 


Hymn  240.  l.  m. 

SHEW  pity,  Lord  !  O  Lord,  forgive  ! 
Let  a  repenting  sinner  live. 
Are  not  thy  mercies  large  and  free? 
May  not  the  contrite  trust  in  thee  ? 
15* 


168  REPENTANCE    AND 

2  With  shame  my  num'rous  sins  I  trace 

Against  thy  law,  against  thy  grace ; 

And,  though  my  pray'r  thou  should' st  not  hear, 

My  doom  is  just,  and  thou  art  clear. 

3  Yet  save  a  penitent,  O  Lord  ! 

Whose  hope,  still  ho  v' ring  rpund  thy  word, 
Seeks  for  some  precious  promise  there, 
Some  sure  support  against  despair. 

4  My  sins  are  great,  but  don't  surpass 
The  riches  of  eternal  grace. 

Great  God  !  thy  nature  hath  no  bound : 
So  let  thy  pard'ning  love  be  found. 

5  O  wash  my  soul  from  ev'ry  stain, 
Nor  let  the  guilt  I  mourn  remain. 
Give  me  to  hear  thy  pard'ning  voice, 
And  bid  my  bleeding  heart  rejoice. 

6  Then  shall  thy  love  inspire  my  tongue ; 
Salvation  shall  be  all  my  song : 

And  ev'ry  pow'r  shall  join  to  bless 

The  Lord,  my  strength  and  righteousness. 

Hymn  241.  l.  m. 

1  ^V  THOU  that  hear' st  when  sinners  cry! 
\J  Though  all  my  crimes  before  thee  lie, 
Behold  them  not  with  angry  look, 

But  blot  their  mem'ry  from  thy  book. 

2  Create  my  nature  pure  within, 
And  form  my  soul  averse  to  sin : 
Let  thy  good  Spirit  ne'er  depart, 
Nor  hide  thy  presence  from  my  neart. 

3  I  cannot  live  without  thy  light, 

Cast  out  and  banish' d  from  thy  sight; 
Thy  holy  joys,  O  God,  restore, 
And  guard  me  that  I  fall  no  more. 


CONVERSION.  169 

4  A  broken  heart,  my  God,  my  King, 
Is  all  the  sacrifice  I  bring : 

The  God  of  grace  will  ne'er  despise 
A  broken  heart  for  sacrifice. 

5  My  soul  lies  humbled  in  the  dust, 
And  owns  thy  dreadful  sentence  just: 
Look  down,  O  Lord,  with  pitying  eye, 
And  save  the  soul  condemn' d  to  die. 

Hymn  242.  l.  m. 

1  ^VPPRESS'D  with  guilt,  or  grief  or  care, 
\J   Great  God !  thy  humble  suppliants  hear. 
Though  sunk,  we  ne'er  can  sink  so  low, 

But  thou  canst  hear  the  voice  of  wo. 

2  Should' st  thou  against  each  evil  deed 
In  strict  severity  proceed  : 

By  merit,  without  mercy,  try'd, 
None  could  be  clear' d  and  justify' d. 

3  But  thou  forgiveness  dost  proclaim, 
That  men  may  turn  and  fear  thy  name. 
To  thy  rich  grace,  O  Lord !  we  fly, 
And  on  thy  promises  rely. 

4  Ye  contrite  hearts,  who  guilt  deplore ! 
Come,  seek  his  face,  and  sin  no  more. 
Then  shall  ye  know  that  God  is  kind, 
And  full  redemption  with  him  find. 

Hymn  243.  c.  m. 

1  T7S7"HEN  rising  from  the  bed  of  death, 

▼  f      O'er  whelm'  d  with  guilt  and  fear, 
I  see  my  Maker  face  to  face, 
O  how  shall  I  appear ! 

2  If  yet,  while  pardon  may  be  found, 

And  mercy  may  be  sought, 


170  REPENTANCE    AND 

My  heart  with  inward  horror  shrinks, 
And  trembles  at  the  thought : — 

3  When  thou,  O  Lord !  shalt  stand  disclosd 

In  majesty  severe, 
And  sit  in  judgment  on  my  soul, 
O  how  shall  I  appear ! 

4  But  there's  forgiveness,  Lord,  with  thee; 

Thy  nature  is  benign. 
Thy  pard'ning  mercy  I  implore ; 
For  mercy,  Lord,  is  thine. 

5  O  let  thy  boundless  mercy  shine 

On  my  benighted  soul ! 
Correct  my  passions,  mend  my  heart, 
And  all  my  fears  control. 

6  And  may  I  taste  thy  richer  grace 

In  that  decisive  hour, 
When  Christ  to  judgment  shall  descend, 
And  time  shall  be  no  more. 

Hymn  244.  c.  m. 

1  X>ERPETUAL  source  of  light  and  grace ! 
XT    We  hail  thy  sacred  name. 

Through  ev'ry  year's  revolving  round, 
Thy  goodness  is  the  same. 

2  Inconstant  service  we  repay, 

And  treach'rous  vows  renew, 
False  as  the  morning's  scattering  cloud, 
And  transient  as  the  dew. 

3  Low  at  thy  feet  our  guilt  we  mourn, 

And  loud  implore  thy  grace, 
To  bear  our  feeble  footsteps  on 
In  all  thy  righteous  ways. 

4  Arm'd  with  this  energy  divine, 

Our  souls  shall  constant  prove, 


CONVERSION.  171 

And  with  increasing  transport  press 
On  to  thy  courts  above. 

5  So,  by  thy  pow'r,  the  morning  sun 
Pursues  his  radiant  way, 
Brightens  each  moment  in  his  race, 
And  shines  to  perfect  day. 

Hymn  245.  p.  m.  7s. 

1    /^1  OD  of  mercy  !  God  of  grace! 
VX  Hear  our  sad  repentant  songs. 
O  restore  thy  suppliant  race, 

Thou,  to  whom  our  praise  belongs ! 

tl  Deep  regret  for  follies  past, 

Talents  wasted,  time  mispent: 
Hearts  debas'd  by  worldly  cares, 
Thankless  for  the  blessings  lent ; 

3  Foolish  fears  and  fond  desires, 

Vain  regrets  for  things  as  vain ; 
Lips  too  seldom  taught  to  praise, 
Oft  to  murmur  and  complain ; 

4  These,  and  ev'ry  secret  fault, 

Filfd  with  grief  and  shame  we  own. 
Humbled  at  thy  feet  we  lie, 

Seeking  pardon  from  thy  throne. 

5  God  of  mercy  !  God  of  grace  ! 

Hear  our  sad  repentant  songs. 
0  restore  thy  suppliant  race, 

Thou,  to  whom  our  praise  belongs ! 

Hymn  246.  p.  m.  7s. 

1   T>  LEST  Instructor  !  from  thy  ways, 
_D   Who  can  tell,  how  oft  he  strays  ! 
Save  from  error's  growth  my  mind; 
Leave  not,  Lord,  one  root  behind. 


172  REPENTANCE    AND 

2  Cleanse  me  from  the  guilt,  that  lies 
Wrapt  within  my  heart's  disguise; 
Let  me  thence,  by  thee  renew' d, 
Each  presumptuous  sin  exclude. 

3  Let  my  tongue,  from  error  free, 
Speak  the  words  appro v'd  by  thee; 
To  thine  all-observing  eyes 

Let  my  thoughts  accepted  rise. 

4  So  my  lot  shall  ne'er  be  join'd 
With  the  men,  whose  impious  mind, 
Fearless  of  thy  just  command, 
Braves  the  vengeance  of  thy  hand. 

5  While  I  thus  thy  name  adore, 
And  thy  healing  grace  implore, 
Blest  Redeemer,  bow  thine  ear ! 
God,  my  strength,  propitious  hear ! 

Hymn  247.  c.  m. 

1  £~\   THOU  whose  tender  mercy  hears 
V>J  Contrition's  humble  sigh; 

Whose  hand,  indulgent,  wipes  the  tears 
From  sorrow's  weeping  eye  ! 

2  See  !  low  before  thy  throne  of  grace, 

A  wretched  wand'rer  mourn. 
Hast  thou  not  bid  me  seek  thy  face  ? 
Hast  thou  not  said,  return  % 

3  Absent  from  thee,  my  guide,  my  light ! 

Without  one  cheering  ray ; 
Through  dangers,  fears,  and  gloomy  night, 
How  desolate  my  way  ! 

4  O  shine  on  this  benighted  heart, 

With  beams  of  mercy  shine ; 
And  let  thy  healing  voice  impart 
A  taste  of  joys  divine. 


CONVERSION.  173 

5  Thy  presence  only  can  bestow 
Delights,  which  never  cloy. 
Be  this  my  solace  here  below, 
And  my  eternal  joy  ! 

Hymn  248.  c.  m. 

1  rTl  HE  Lord,  how  kind  are  all  his  ways, 

JL     When  most  they  seem  severe  ! 
He  frowns,  and  scourges,  and  rebukes. 
That  we  may  learn  his  fear. 

2  With  thorns  he  fences  up  our  path, 

And  builds  a  wall  around, 
To  guard  us  from  the  death  that  lurks 
In  sin's  forbidden  ground. 

3  Return,  ye  wand' ring  souls,  return, 

And  seek  his  tender  breast ; 
Call  back  the  mem'ry  of  the  days, 
When  there  you  found  your  rest, 

4  Behold,  O  Lord  !  we  fly  to  thee, 

Though  blushes  veil  our  face : 
Constrain' d  our  last  retreat  to  seek 
In  thy  much  injur' d  grace. 

Hymn  249.  s.  m. 

1  O EARCHER  of  hearts  !  to  thee 
^3  I  all  my  soul  display ; 

And,  conscious  of  its  innate  arts, 
Entreat  thy  strict  survey. 

2  If,  lurking  in  its  folds., 

I  any  sin  conceal : 
O  let  a  ray  of  light  divine 
The  secret  guile  reveal ! 

3  If,  in  these  fetters  bound, 

A  wretched  slave  I  lie : 


174  REPENTANCE    AND 

Smite  off  my  chains,  and  wake  my  soul 
To  light  and  liberty  ! 

4  To  penitence  and  pray'r 
Be  gentle  pity  giv'n; 
Speak  ample  pardon  to  my  heart, 
And  seal  its  claim  to  heav'n. 

Hymn  250.  l.  m. 

1  S~\   TURN,  great  Ruler  of  the  skies, 

\Jt   Turn  from  my  sins  thy  searching  eyes ! 

My  mind  from  ev'ry  fear  release, 

And  soothe  my  troubled  thoughts  to  peace. 

2  Prompt  is  thy  pow'r,  when  ills  invade, 
The  weak  and  contrite  soul  to  aid : 
Then  let  thy  clemency  divine 
Conspicuous  in  my  pardon  shine. 

3  O  let  the  fulness  of  thy  grace 
Each  error  of  my  life  efface  ! — 
But  thy  decrees,  almighty  Sire  ! 
Integrity  of  heart  require. 

4  Give  me  a  will  to  thine  subdu'd, 

A  conscience  pure,  a  soul  renew' d ; 
Nor  let  me,  wrapt  in  endless  gloom, 
An  outcast  from  thy  presence  roam. 

5  The  heart,  that,  taught  its  guilt  to  know, 
Repentant  heaves  with  inward  wo, 
Shall  find  its  pray'rs,  its  groans,  its  sighs, 
To  thee  in  full  acceptance  rise. 


Hymn  251.  l.  m. 

ORD  !  we  have  wander  d  from  thy  way, 
Like  foolish  sheep  have  gone  astray ; 
Our  pleasant  pastures  we  have  left, 
And  of  their  guard  our  souls  bereft. 


L 


CONVERSION.  175 

2  Expos' d  to  want,  expos' d  to  harm, 
Far  from  our  gentle  Shepherd's  arm; 
Nor  will  these  fatal  wand' rings  cease, 
Till  thou  reveal  the  paths  of  peace. 

3  O  seek  thy  thoughtless  servants,  Lord  ! 
Nor  let  us  quite  forget  thy  word. 

Our  erring  souls  do  thou  restore, 
And  keep  us,  that  we  stray  no  more. 

Hymn  252.  s.  m. 

1  \  TTEND,  my  soul,  with  awe, 
J\.  The  dictates  of  thy  God : 
Silent  and  trembling  hear  the  voice 

Of  his  appointed  rod. 

2  Now  let  me  search  my  ways. 

And  prostrate  seek  his  face ; 
Conscious  of  guilt,  before  his  throne 
In  dust  my  soul  abase. 

3  O  teach  me  what's  unknown, 

And  all  my  crimes  forgive. 
Those  crimes  I  would  no  more  repeat, 
But  to  thine  honour  live. 

4  My  sorrows  plainly  show, 

That  all  on  earth  is  vain. 
In  God  my  wounded  heart  confides, 
True  rest  and  bliss  to  gain. 

Hymn  253.  c.  m. 

1  OWEET  is  the  friendly  voice  which  speaks 
O   The  words  of  life  and  peace ; 

Which  bids  the  upright  heart  rejoice, 
And  sin  and  sorrow  cease. 

2  Thou,  Lord  !  in  mercy  wilt  regard 

The  humble  and  sincere ; 
16 


176  REPENTANCE    AND 

Thou  wilt  with  gracious  eye  behold 
The  penitential  tear. 

3  Thou  canst  restrain  wild  passion's  sway, 

The  pow'r  of  vice  control, 
Restore  bright  reason's  ray  divine, 
And  purify  the  soul. 

4  O  God !  from  error  turn  my  feet, 

That  I  no  more  may  stray ; 
And  guide  my  steps  direct  and  safe 
In  virtue's  peaceful  way. 

5  Let  me  no  more,  with  wilful  mind, 

Thy  righteous  laws  offend. 
Then  shall  I  know  nor  guilt  nor  fear, 
If  thou  be  still  my  friend. 

Hymn  254.  s.  m. 

1  |^|  BLESSED  souls  are  they, 
\-S    Whose  sins  are  cover' d  o'er ! 
Divinely  bhst,  to  whom  the  Lord 

Imputes  their  guilt  no  more  ! 

2  They  mourn  their  follies  past, 

And  keep  their  hearts  with  care; 
Their  lips  and  lives  without  deceit, 
Shall  prove  their  faith  sincere. 

3  Let  sinners  learn  to  pray ; 

Let  saints  keep  near  the  throne. 
Our  help  in  time  of  deep  distress, 
Is  found  in  God  alone. 

Hymn  255    c.  m. 

The  joy  of  conversion  from  sin. 

1  XX7~HEN  God  reveal' d  his  gracious  name, 
f  ▼      And  chang'd  my  mournful  state, 
My  rapture  seem'd  a  pleasing  dream, 
The  grace  appear' d  so  great. 


CONVERSION.  177 

The  world  beheld  the  glorious  change, 

And  did  thy  hand  confess; 
My  tongue  broke  out  in  unknown  strains, 

And  sung  surprising  grace. 
"Great  is  the  work;'  my  neighbours  cried, 

And  own'd  the  pow'r  divine; 
"Great  is  the  work,"  my  heart  replied, 

"And  be  the  glory  thine." 

The  Lord  can  clear  the  darkest  skies, 

Can  give  us  day  for  night ; 
Make  drops  of  sacred  sorrow  rise 

To  rivers  of  delight. 

Let  those,  that  sow  in  sadness,  wait 

Till  the  fair  harvest  come ; 
They  shall  confess  their  sheaves  are  great, 

And  shout  the  blessings  home 

Hymn  256.  s.  If. 

1  TTOW  various  and  how  new 
11  A  re  thy  compassions,  Lord  ! 
Each  morning  shall  thy  mercies  shew, 

Each  night  thy  love  record. 

2  Thy  goodness,  like  the  sun, 

Dawn  d  on  our  early  days, 

Ere  infant  reason  had  begun 

To  form  our  lips  to  praise. 

3  Each  object  we  beheld 

Gave  pleasure  to  our  eyes ; 

And  nature  all  our  senses  held 

In  bands  of  sweet  surprise. 

4  But  pleasures  more  refin'd 

Awaited  that  blest  day, 
When  light  arose  upon  our  mind 
To  chase  our  sins  away. 


178  REPENTANCE,    &C. 

5  How  various  and  how  new 

Are  thy  compassions,  Lord ! 
Eternity  thy  truth  shall  shew, 
And  all  thy  love  record. 


Hymn  257.  s.  m. 

Thanksgiving  for  deliverance  from  the  power 
of  sin. 

1  ril  HE  trav' Her,  lost  in  night, 

JL     Breathes  many  a  longing  sigh, 
And  marks  the  welcome  dawn  of  light 
With  rapture  in  his  eye. 

2  Thus  sweet  the  dawn  of  day 

Lost,  weary  sinners  find, 
When  mercy  with  reviving  ray 
Beams  o'er  the  fainting  mind. 

3  To  slaves  oppress' d  with  chains, 

How  kind,  how  dear  the  friend, 
Whose  gen'rous  hand  relieves  their  pains, 
And  bids  their  sorrows  end  ! 

4  Thus  dear  that  friend  divine, 

Who  rescues  captive  souls, 
Unbinds  the  galling  chains  of  sin, 
And  all  its  pow'r  controls. 

5  My  God  !  to  gospel  light 

My  dawn  of  hope  I  owe ; 
Once,  wand' ring  in  the  shades  of  night, 
And  sunk  in  hopeless  wo. 

6  Thy  hand  redeem' d  the  slave, 

And  set  the  pris'ner  free. 
Be  all  I  am,  and  all  I  have, 
Devoted,  Lord,  to  thee  ! 


THE    JOY    AND    HAPPINESS,    &C.       179 

XVI. 

THE  JOY  AND  HAPPINESS  OF  TRUE 
CHRISTIANS. 


xc 


Hymn  258.  s.  m. 

OMB,  ye  that  love  the  Lord, 
And  let  your  joys  be  known; 
Join  in  a  song  with  sweet  accord, 
Whilst  ye  surround  the  throne. 

Let  those  refuse  to  sing, 
Who  never  knew  our  God : 

But  servants  of  the  heav'nly  King 
May  speak  their  joys  abroad. 

The  God,  who  rules  on  high, 
Who  all  the  earth  surveys, 

Who  rides  upon  the  stormy  sky, 
And  calms  the  roaring  seas : 

This  awful  God  is  ours, 

Our  Father  and  our  love ; 
He  will  send  down  his  heav'nly  pow'rs, 

To  carry  us  above. 

There  we  shall  see  his  face, 

And  never,  never  sin ! 
There,  from  the  rivers  of  his  grace, 

Drink  endless  pleasures  in. 

Yea,  and  before  we  rise 

To  that  immortal  state, 
The  thoughts  of  such  amazing  bliss 

Should  constant  joys  create. 

The  men  of  grace  have  found 
Glory  begun  below. 

16* 


180  THE    JOY   AND   HAPPINESS 

Celestial  fruit  on  earthly  ground 
From  faith  and  hope  may  grow. 

8  Then  let  our  songs  abound, 
And  ev'ry  tear  be  dry : 
We're  marching  through  Immanuel's  ground 
To  fairer  worlds  on  high. 

Hymn  259.  s.  m. 

1  IVT^W  let  our  voices  join 
J_ll    To  form  a  sacred  song; 
Ye  pilgrims  in  Jehovah's  ways, 

With  music  pass  along. 

2  How  straight  the  path  appears ! 

How  open  and  how  fair ! 
No  lurking  snares  t' entrap  our  feet; 
No  fierce  destroyer  there. 

3  But  flow'rs  of  Paradise 

In  rich  profusion  spring ; 
The  sun  of  glory  gilds  the  path, 
And  dear  companions  sing. 

4  See  Salem's  golden  spires 

In  beauteous  prospect  rise ; 
And  brighter  crowns  than  mortals  wear; 
Which  sparkle  through  the  skies. 

5  All  honour  to  his  name, 

Who  marks  the  shining  way ; 
To  him,  who  leads  the  wand' re rs  on 
To  realms  of  endless  day. 


Hymn  260.  c.  m. 

E  trembling  souls !  dismiss  your  fears  j 
Be  mercy  all  your  theme; 
Mercy,  which  like  a  river  flows 
In  one  continued  stream. 


Y 


OF    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  181 

2  Fear  not  the  pow'rs  of  earth  and  hell; 

God  will  these  pow'rs  restrain; 
His  mighty  arm  their  rage  repel, 
And  make  their  efforts  vain. 

3  Fear  not  the  want  of  outward  good  : 

He  will  for  his  provide, 
Grant  them  supplies  of  daily  food, 
And  give  them  heav'n  beside. 

4  Fear  not,  that  he  will  e'er  forsake, 

Or  leave  his  work  undone  : 
He's  faithful  to  his  promises, 
And  faithful  to  his  Son. 

5  Fear  not  the  terrors  of  the  grave, 

Nor  death's  tremendous  sting : 
He  will  from  endless  wrath  preserve, 
To  endless  glory  bring. 

6  You  in  his  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  grace, 

May  confidently  trust : 
His  wisdom  guides,  his  pow'r  protects, 
His  grace  rewards  the  just. 

Hymn  261.  c.  m. 

1  "¥T7~HEN  I  can  read  my  title  clear 

m      To  mansions  in  the  skies, 
I  bid  farewell  to  ev'ry  fear, 
And  wipe  my  weeping  eyes. 

2  Should  earth  against  my  soul  engage, 

And  hellish  darts  be  hurl'd : 

Then  I  can  smile  at  Satan's  rage, 

And  face  a  frowning  world. 

3  Let  cares  like  a  wild  deluge  come, 

And  storms  of  sorrow  fall : 
May  I  but  safely  reach  my  home, 
My  God,  my  heav'n,  my  all ! 


182  THE    JOY    AND    HAPPINESS 

4  There  shall  I  bathe  my  weary  soul 
In  seas  of  heav'nly  rest; 
And  not  a  wave  of  trouble  roll 
Across  my  peaceful  breast. 

Hymn  262.  l.  m. 

1  1VTOT  all  the  nobles  of  the  earth, 

_l\I    Who  boast  the  honours  of  their  birth, 

Such  real  dignity  can  claim, 

As  those  who  bear  the  Christian  name. 

2  To  them  the  privilege  is  giv'n, 

To  be  the  sons  and  heirs  of  heav'n ; 
Sons  of  the  God  who  reigns  on  high, 
And  heirs  of  joy  beyond  the  sky. 

3  His  will  he  makes  them  early  know, 
And  teaches  their  young  feet  to  go ; 
"Whispers  instruction  to  their  minds, 
And  on  their  hearts  his  precepts  binds. 

4  Their  daily  wants  his  hands  supply  : 
Their  steps  he  guards  with  watchful  eye ; 
Leads  them  from  earth  to  heav'n  above, 
And  crowns  them  with  eternal  love. 

5  If  I've  the  honour,  Lord !  to  be 
One  of  this  num'rous  family  : 
On  me  the  gracious  gift  bestow, 
To  call  thee  Abba,  Father,  too. 

6  So  may  my  conduct  ever  prove 
My  filial  piety  and  love  ! 

Whilst  all  my  brethren  clearly  trace 
Their  Fathers  likeness  on  my  face. 


l¥ 


Hymn  263.  c.  m. 

ORSAKE,  my  soul !  the  tents  of  sin 
How  false  her  joys  appear ! 


OF    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  183 

Noise  and  confusion  dwell  within ; 
Peace  is  a  stranger  there. 

2  The  men,  who  keep  the  laws  of  God, 

His  choicest  blessings  share  ; 
Or,  if  he  lifts  his  chast'ning  rod, 
'Tis  with  a  Father's  care. 

3  His  mighty  pow'r  shall  guard  the  just; 

His  wisdom  point  their  way  ; 
His  eye  shall  watch  their  sleeping  dust ; 
His  hand  revive  their  clay. 

4  Begin,  ye  saints,  the  joyful  task ; 

His  praise  employ  your  tongue ; 
And  soon  eternity  will  ask 
A  more  exalted  song. 

Hymn  264.  c.  m. 

1  "V^TITH  transport,  Lord  !  we  view  the  page, 

m      Where  all  thy  mercies  shine; 
And  joy  to  tell  the  rising  age, 
What  boundless  grace  is  thine. 

2  The  world,  with  all  its  shifting  schemes, 

Time,  with  its  fleeting  hours, 
Life,  with  its  gay  and  flatt'ring  dreams, 
Its  hopes  and  fears,  is  ours. 

3  Death,  also,  at  our  Father's  word, 

Lays  all  its  terrors  by ; 

Gently  divides  the  silver  cord, 

And  calls  us  to  the  sky. 

4  Fain  would  our  hearts  a  tribute  bring, 

Before  our  Father's  throne; 
A  tribute  worthy  of  our  King, 
Whose  mercies  are  unknown. 


o 


Hymn  265.  c.  m. 

HAPPY  soul  that  lives  on  high ! 
While  men  lie  grov'ling  here, 


184  THE    JOY    AND    HAPPINESS 

His  hopes  are  fix'd  above  the  sky, 
And  faith  forbids  his  fear. 

2  His  conscience  knows  no  secret  stings ; 

While  grace  and  joy  combine 
To  form  a  life,  whose  holy  springs 
Are  hidden  and  divine. 

3  He  waits  in  secret  on  his  God ; 

His  God  in  secret  sees. 
Let  earth  be  all  in  arms  abroad, 
He  dwells  in  heav'nly  peace. 

4  His  pleasures  rise  from  things  unseen, 

Beyond  this  world  and  time, 
Where  neither  eyes  nor  ears  have  been, 
Nor  thoughts  of  mortals  climb. 

5  He  looks  to  heav'n's  eternal  hill, 

To  meet  that  glorious  day, 
When  Christ  his  promise  shall  fulfil 
And  call  his  soul  away. 

Hymn  266.  l.  m. 

1  "VITHILE  some  in  folly's  pleasures  roll, 

t  f      And  court  the  joys  which  hurt  the  . 
Be  mine  that  silent,  calm  repast, 
A  peaceful  conscience  to  the  last : 

2  That  tree  which  bears  immortal  fruit, 
Without  a  canker  at  the  root; 

That  friend,  who  never  fails  the  just, 
When  other  friends  desert  their  trust. 

3  With  this  companion  in  the  shade, 
My  soul  no  more  shall  be  dismay' d; 
But  fearless  meet  the  midnight  gloom, 
And  the  pale  monarch  of  the  tomb. 

4  Though  heav'n  afflict,  I'll  not  repine; 
The  noblest  comforts  still  are  mine : 


OF    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  185| 

Comforts,  which  over  death  prevail, 
And  journey  with  me  through  the  vale. 

5  The  Lord  will  smooth    my  rugged  way, 
And  lead  me  to  the  realms  of  day. 
To  milder  skies  and  brighter  plains, 
Where  everlasting  pleasure  reigns. 

Hymn  267.  c.  m= 

1  r\   HAPPINESS,  thou  pleasing  dream ! 
\J   Where  is  thy  substance  found? 
Sought  through  the  varying  scenes,  in  vain, 

Of  earths  capacious  round. 

2  Religion's  sacred  lamp  alone 

Unerring  points  the  way, 
Where  happiness  for  ever  shine3 
With  unpolluted  ray. 

Hymn  268.  s.  m. 

1  TT7~HEX  gloomy  thoughts  and  fears 

T  f      The  trembling  heart  invade, 
And  all  the  face  of  nature  wears 
An  universal  shade : 

2  Religion  can  assuage 

The  tempest  of  the  soul : 
And  ev;ry  fear  shall  lose  its  rage 
At  her  divine  control. 

3  Through  life's  bewilder  d  way, 

Her  hand  unerring  leads  ; 
And  o'er  the  path  her  heav'nly  ray 
A  cheering  lustre  sheds. 

4  When  reason,  tir'd  and  blind, 

Sinks  helpless  and  afraid ; 
Thou  blest  supporter  of  the  mind, 
How  pow'rful  is  thine  aid  ! 


186  THE    JOY   AND    HAPPINESS 

5  O  let  me  feel  thy  pow'r, 
And  find  thy  sweet  relief, 
To  brighten  ev'ry  gloomy  hour, 
And  soften  ev'ry  grief. 

Hymn  269.  l.  m. 

1  TTQW  blest  the  man,  how  more  than  blest, 
Jtl  Whose  heart  no  guilty  thoughts  employ! 
God's  endless  sunshine  fills  his  breast, 

And  conscience  whispers  peace  and  joy. 

2  Pure  rectitude's  unerring  way 

His  heav'n-conducted  steps  pursue; 
While  crowds  in  guilt  and  error  stray, 
Unstain'd  his  soul,  and  bright  his  view. 

3  By  God's  almighty  arm  sustain' d, 

True  virtue  soon  or  late  shall  rise ; 
Enjoy  her  conquest,  nobly  gain'd, 
And  share  the  triumph  of  the  skies. 

4  But  fools,  to  sacred  wisdom  blind, 

Who  vice's  tempting  call  obey, 
A  different  fate  shall  quickly  find, 
To  ev'ry  storm  an  easy  prey. 

Hymn  270.  l.  m. 

1  fTl  HERE  is  a  glorious  world  on  high, 

JL     Resplendent  with  eternal  day ; 
Faith  views  the  blissful  prospect  nigh, 
While  God's  own  word  reveals  the  way. 

2  There  shall  the  fav' rites  of  the  Lord 

With  never-fading  lustre  shine. 
Surprising  honour  !  vast  reward ! 
Conferr'd  on  man  by  love  divine. 

3  How  blest  are  those,  how  truly  wise, 

Who  learn  and  keep  the  sacred  road ! 


OF    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  187 

Happy  the  men,  whom  heav'n  employs 
To  turn  rebellious  hearts  to  God ; 

4  To  win  them  from  the  fatal  way, 

Where  erring  folly  thoughtless  roves; 
And  that  blest  righteousness  display, 
Which  Jesus  taught  and  God  approves. 

5  The  shining  firmament  shall  fade, 

And  sparkling  stars  resign  their  light  : 
But  these  shall  know  nor  change  nor  shade, 
For  ever  fair,  for  ever  bright. 

6  On  wings  of  faith  and  strong  desire, 

0  may  our  spirits  daily  rise .; 
And  reach  at  last  the  shining  choir, 
In  the  bright  mansions  of  the  skies ! 

Hymn  271.  p.  m.  s,8,&6. 

1  \  LL  earthly  charms,  however  dear, 
-ljL  Howe'er  they  please  the  eye  or  ear, 

Will  quickly  fade  and  fly. 
Of  earthly  glory  faint  the  blaze, 
And  soon  the  transitory  rays 

In  endless  darkness  die. 

2  The  nobler  beauties  of  the  just 
Shall  never  moulder  in  the  dust, 

Or  know  a  sad  decay; 
Their  honours  time  and  death  defy, 
And  round  the  throne  of  heav'n  on  high 

Beam  everlasting  day 

Hymn  272.  l.  m. 

1   "V7"E  humble  souls,  complain  no  more; 
J-     Let  faith  survey  your  future  store. 
How  happy,  how  divinely  blest, 
The  sacred  words  of  truth  attest. 
17 


188  THE    J0\T    AND    HAPPINESS 

2  When  conscious  grief  laments  sincere, 
And  pours  the  penitential  tear ; 
Hope  points  to  your  dejected  eyes 

A  bright  reversion  in  the  skies. 

3  In  vain  the  sons  of  wealth  and  pride 
Despise  your  lot,  your  hopes  deride ; 
In  vain  they  boast  their  little  stores  ; 
Trifles  are  theirs,  a  kingdom  yours : 

4  A  kingdom  of  immense  delight, 
Where  health,  and  peace,  and  joy  unite 
Where  undeclining  pleasures  rise, 

And  ev'ry  wish  hath  full  supplies  : 

5  A  kingdom  which  can  ne'er  decay, 
Though  time  sweep  earthly  thrones  away. 
The  state,  which  pow'r  and  truth  sustain, 
Unmov'd  for  ever  must  remain. 

6  Great  God !  to  thee  we  breathe  our  pray'r 
If  thou  confirm  our  int'rest  there, 
Enroll' d  among  thy  happy  poor, 

Our  largest  wishes  ask  no  more. 

Hymn  273.  c.  m. 

1  XXOW  happy  is  the  man,  who  hears 
.Li  Instruction's  warning  voice 
And  who  celestial  wisdom  makes 

His  early,  only  choice ! 

2  Wisdom  has  treasures  greater  far 

Than  east  or  west  unfold ; 
And  her  rewards  more  precious  are 
Than  is  the  gain  of  gold. 

3  In  her  right  hand  she  holds  to  view 

A  length  of  happy  years; 
And  in  her  left  the  prize  of  fame 
And  honour  bright  appears. 


OF    TRUE    CHRISTIANS.  189 

She  guides  the  young  with  innocence, 

In  pleasure's  path  to  tread: 
A  crown  of  glory  she  bestows 

Upon  the  hoary  head. 

According  as  her  labours  rise, 

So  her  rewards  increase  j 
Her  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 

And  all  her  paths  are  peace. 


XVII. 


THE  CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER  AND  LIFE, 
IN  GENERAL. 


Hymn  274.  l.  m. 

SO  let  our  lips  and  lives  express 
The  holy  gospel  we  profess; 
So  let  our  works  and  virtues  shine, 
To  prove  the  doctrine  all  divine ! 

Thus  shall  we  best  proclaim  abroad 
The  honours  of  our  Saviour  God, 
When  the  salvation  re;gns  within, 
And  grace  subdues  the  pow'r  of  sin. 

Our  flesh  and  sense  must  be  deny'd, 
Passion  and  envy,  lust  and  pride ; 
Whilst  justice,  temp' ranee,  truth,  and  love 
Our  inward  piety  approve. 

Religion  bears  our  spirits  up, 
Whilst  we  expect  that  blessed  hope, 
The  bright  appearance  of  the  Lord, 
And  faith  stands  leaning1  on  his  word. 


190       THE    CHRISTIAN    CHARACTER 

Hymn  275.  c.  m. 

1  T  WANT  a  principle  within 
JL  Of  jealous  godly  fear, 

A  dread  and  hatred  of  all  sin, 
A  pain  to  feel  it  near. 

2  That  I  from  thee  no  more  may  part, 

No  more  thy  goodness  grieve  : 
The  filial  awe,  the  loving  heart, 
The  tender  conscience  give  ; 

3  A  heart  resign' d,  submissive,  meek, 

My  great  Redeemer's  throne, 
Where  only  Christ  is  heard  to  speak, 
Where  Jesus  reigns  alone. 

4  Quick  as  the  apple  of  an  eye, 

O  God  !  my  conscience  make  ; 
Awake  my  soul  when  sin  is  nigh, 
And  keep  it  still  awake. 

5  If  to  the  right  or  left  I  stray, 

That  moment,  Lord,  reprove; 
And  let  me  mourn,  and  weep,  and  pray, 
For  having  griev'd  thy  love  ! 

6  O  !  may  the  least  omission  pain 

My  well-instructed  soul; 
That  I  may  find  that  grace  again, 
Which  makes  the  wounded  whole 

Hymn  276.  l.  m. 

1  ~T7J7~HAT  strange  perplexities  arise  ! 

▼  f      What  anxious  fears  and  jealousies ! 
What  crowds  in  doubtful  light  appear ! 
How  few,  alas,  approv'd  and  clear ! 

2  And  what  am  I  ? — My  soul,  awake, 
And  an  impartial  survey  take. 


AND    LIFE,    IN    GENERAL.  191 

Does  no  dark  sign,  no  ground  of  fear, 
In  practice  or  in  heart  appear? 

3  What  image  does  my  spirit  bear? 
Is  Jesus  form'd  and  living  there? 
Say,  do  his  lineaments  divine 

In  thought,  and  word,  and  action  shine  ? 

4  Searcher  of  hearts,  O  search  me  still ; 
The  secrets  of  my  soul  reveal ; 

My  fears  remove ;  let  me  appear 

To  God  and  my  own  conscience  clear ! 

Hymn  277.  l.  m. 

1  "V17~HO  shall  ascend  thy  heav'nly  place, 

T  T  '    Great  God,  and  dwell  before  thy  face  ? 
The  man,  who  loves  religion  now, 
And  humbly  walks  with  God  below  ; 

2  Whose  hands  are  pure,  whose  heart  is  clean, 
Whose  lips  still  speak  the  thing  they  mean. 
No  slanders  dwell  upon  his  tongue ; 

He  hates  to  do  his  neighbour  wrong. 

3  He  will  not  trust  an  ill  report, 
Nor  vent  it  to  his  neighbour's  hurt ; 
Sinners  of  state  he  can  despise, 
But  saints  are  honour' d  in  his  eyes. 

4  Firm  to  his  word  he  ever  stood, 

And  always  makes  his  promise  good : 
Nor  will  he  change  the  thing  he  swears, 
Whatever  pain  or  loss  he  bears. 

5  He  never  deals  in  bribing  gold, 

And  mourns  that  justice  should  be  sold. 
If  others  vex  and  grind  the  poor, 
Sweet  charity  attends  his  door. 

6  He  loves  his  enemies,  and  prays 
For  those  who  curse  him  to  his  face ; 

17* 


192         THE    CHRISTIAN    CHARACTER 

And  doth  to  all  men  still  the  same, 
That  he  could  hope  or  wish  from  them. 

7  Yet,  when  his  holiest  works  are  done, 
His  soul  depends  on  grace  alone. 
This  is  the  man  thy  face  shall  see, 
And  dwell  for  ever,  Lord !  with  thee. 

Hymn  278.  l.  m. 

1  f^i  REAT  God !  whose  all-pervading  eye 
\jT  Sees  ev'ry  passion  of  my  soul ! 
When  sunk  too  low,  or  rais'd  too  high, 

Teach  me  those  passions  to  control. 

2  Temper  the  fervours  of  my  frame ; 

Be  charity  their  constant  spring ; 
And  O,  let  no  unhallow'd  flame 
Pollute  the  offerings  I  bring. 

3  Let  peace  with  piety  unite, 

To  mend  the  bias  of  my  will ; 
While  hope  and  heav'n-ey'd  faith  excite, 
And  wisdom  regulates  my  zeal : 

4  That  wisdom,  which  to  meekness  turns ; 

Wisdom  descending  from  above ; 
And  let  my  zeal,  whene'er  it  burns, 
Be  kindled  by  the  fire  of  love. 

Hymn  279.  l.  m. 

1  SUPREME  and  universal  light! 

©  Fountain  of  reason  !  Judge  of  right ! 
Without  whose  kind,  directing  ray, 
In  everlasting  night  we  stray  : 

2  Assist  us,  Lord,  to  act,  to  be, 
What  all  thy  sacred  laws  decree ; 
Worthy  that  intellectual  flame, 
Which  from  thy  breathing  spirit  came. 


AND    LIFE,    IN    GENERAL.  193 

3  No  slaves  to  profit,  shame,  or  fear, 
O  may  our  steadfast  bosoms  bear 
The  stamp  of  heav'n,  an  honest  heart, 
Above  the  mean  disguise  of  art. ! 

4  May  our  expanded  souls  disclaim 
The  narrow  view,  the  selfish  aim ; 
But  with  a  Christian  zeal  embrace 
Whate'er  is  friendly  to  our  race. 

5  O  Father  !  grace  and  virtue  grant : 
No  more  we  wish,  no  more  we  want. 
To  know,  to  serve  thee,  and  to  love, 
Is  peace  below,  is  bliss  above. 


Hymn  280.  l. 


M. 


1  rp  H'  uplifted  eye,  and  bended  knee, 

X     Are  but  vain  homage,  Lord !  to  thee. 
In  vain  our  lips  thy  praise  prolong, 
The  heart  a  stranger  to  the  song?' 

2  Can  rites,  and  forms,  and  flaming  zeal 
The  breaches  of  thy  precepts  heal? 
Or  fasts  and  penance  reconcile 

Thy  justice,  and  obtain  thy  siriile  ? 

3  The  pure,  the  humble,  contrite  mind, 
Sincere,  and  to  thy  will  resign' d, 

To  thee  a  nobler  off' ring  yields,' 

Than  Sheba's  groves,  or  Sharon's  fields. 

4  Love  God  and  man :— this  great  command 
Doth  on  eternal  pillars  stand. 

This  did  thine  ancient  prophets  teach, 
This  did  the  great  Messiah  preach. 

HYMN  281.    L.  M. 

1   TTAD  Ithe  tongues  of  Greeks  and  Jews, 
XX  And  nobler  soeech  than  angels  use: 


194       THE    CHRISTIAN    CHARACTER 

If  love  be  absent,  I  am  found, 
Like  tinkling  brass,  an  empty  sound. 

2  Were  I  inspir'd  to  preach  and  tell 
All  that  is  done  in  heav'n  and  hell, 
Or  could  my  faith  the  world  remove, 
Still  I  am  nothing  without  love. 

3  Should  I  distribute  all  my  store, 
To  feed  the  bowels  of  the  poor ; 
Or  give  my  body  to  the  flame, 

To  gain  a  martyr's  glorious  name : 

4  If  love  to  God,  and  love  to  men 
Be  absent,  all  my  hopes  are  vain ; 
Nor  tongues,  nor  gifts,  nor  fiery  zeal 
The  work  of  love  can  e'er  fulfil. 

Hymn  282.  c.  m. 

1  f  1 1 HOU  art  my  portion,  O  my  God ! 

JL     Soon  as  I  know  thy  way, 
My  heart  makes  haste  t'  obey  thy  word, 
And  suffers  no  delay. 

2  I  choose  the  path  of  heav'nly  truth, 

And  glory  in  my  choice ; 
Not  all  the  riches  of  the  earth 
Could  make  me  so  rejoice. 

3  The  testimonies  of  thy  grace 

I  set  before  mine  eyes ; 
Thence  I  derive  my  daily  strength, 
And  there  my  comfort  lies. 

4  Whene'er  I  wander  from  thy  path, 

I  think  upon  my  ways ; 
Then  turn  my  feet  to  thy  commands,    . 
And  trust  thy  pard'ning  grace. 

6  Now  I  am  thine,  for  ever  thine  : 
O  save  thy  servant,  Lord ! 


AND    LIFE,    IN    GENERAL.  195 

Thou  art  my  shield,  my  hiding  place ; 

My  hope  is  in  thy  word. 
Thou  hast  inclin'd  this  heart  of  mine 

Thy  statutes  to  fulfil ; 
And  thus,  till  mortal  life  shall  end, 

Would  I  perform  thy  will. 

Hymn  283.  c.  k. 

WHILST  sinners,  who  presume  to  bear 
The  Christians  sacred  name, 
Throw  up  the  reins  to  ev'ry  lust, 
And  glory  in  their  shame  : 

Ye  saints,  preserved  in  Christ  and  call'd, 

Detest  tiieir  impious  ways. 
And  on  the  basis  of  your  faith 

A  heav'nly  temple  raise. 

Upon  the  Spirits  promis'd  aid 

Depend  from  day  to  day ; 
And,  whilst  he  breathes  his  quick' ning  grace, 

Adore,  and  praise,  and  pray. 

Preserve  unquench'd  your  love  to  God, 

And  let  the  flame  arise, 
And  higher  and  still  higher  blaze, 

Till  it  ascends  the  skies. 

With  a  transporting  joy  expect 

The  grace  your  Lord  shall  give, 
When  all  his  saints  shall  from  his  hands 

Their  crowns  of  life  receive. 


Hymn  284  c.  m. 

LEST  are  the  undenTd  in  heart, 
"Whose  ways  are  right  and  clean; 
Who  never  from  thy  law  depart, 
But  fly  from  ev'ry  sin. 


B 


196        THE    CHRISTIAN    CHARACTER 

2  Blest  are  the  men  that  keep  thy  word, 

And  practise  thy  commands ; 
With  their  whole  heart  they  seek  the  Lord, 
And  serve  thee  with  their  hands. 

3  Great  is  their  peace,  who  love  thy  law  ; 

How  firm  their  souls  abide ! 
Nor  can  a  bold  temptation  draw 
Their  steady  feet  aside. 

4  Then  shall  my  heart  have  inward  joy, 

And  keep  my  face  from  shame, 
When  all  thy  statutes  I  obey, 
And  honour  all  thy  name. 

Hymn  285.  l.  m. 

1  T>  LESS'D  are  the  humble  souls,  who  see 
_D   Their  ignorance  and  poverty  : 
Treasures  of  grace  to  them  are  giv'n, 

And  crowns  of  joy  laid  up  in  heav'n. 

2  Bless' d  are  the  men  of  broken  heart, 
Who  mourn  for  sin  with  inward  smart ; 
For  them  divine  compassion  flows, 

A  healing  balm  for  all  their  woes. 

3  Bless' d  are  the  meek,  who  stand  afar 
From  rage  and  passion,  noise  and  war : 
God  will  secure  their  peaceful  state, 
And  plead  their  cause  against  the  great. 

4  Bless' d  are  the  souls,  who  thirst  for  grace, 
Hunger  and  long  for  righteousness : 
They  shall  be  well  supply' d  and  fed 
With  living  streams  and  living  bread. 

5  Bless' d  are  the  men,  whose  hearts  still  move 
And  melt  with  sympathy  and  love ; 

They  shall  themselves  from  God  obtain 
Like  sympathy  and  love  again. 


AND    LIFE,    IN    GENERAL.  197 

6  Bless' d  are  the  pure,  whose  hearts  are  clean 
From  the  defiling  pow'r  of  sin  : 

With  endless  pleasure  they  shall  see 
A  God  of  spotless  purity. 

7  Bless' d  are  the  men  of  peaceful  life, 
Who  quench  the  coals  of  growing  strife : 
They  shall  be  call'd  the  heirs  of  bliss, 
The  sons  of  God,  the  God  of  peace. 

8  Bless'd  are  the  sufTrers  who  partake 
Of  pain  and  shame  for  Jesus'  sake : 
Their  souls  shall  triumph  in  the  Lord, 
Glory  and  joy  are  their  reward. 

Hymn  286.  l.  m. 

1  T^OST  thou  my  worthless  name  record, 
JlJ   Free  of  thy  holy  city,  Lord? 

Am  I,  a  sinner,  call'd  to  share 
The  precious  privileges  there  ? 

2  Art  thou  my  King,  my  Father  styl'd  ? 
Am  I  thy  servant  and  thy  child  ? 

Whilst  wretched  millions  draw  their  breath 
In  lands  of  ignorance  and  death. 

3  Shall  I  receive  this  grace  in  vain? 
Shall  I  my  great  vocation  stain? 
Away,  ye  wrorks  in  darkness  wrought ! 
Away  each  sensual,  wanton  thought ! 

4  My  soul,  I  charge  thee  to  excel 
In  thinking  right  and  acting  well. 
Deep  let  thy  searching  pow'rs  engage, 
Unbiass'd,  in  the  sacred  page. 

5  Strong,  and  more  strong,  thy  passions  rule, 
Advancing  still  in  virtue's  school; 
Contending  still,  with  noble  strife, 

To  imitate  thy  Saviour's  life. 


198     the  christian  character 
Hymn  287.  l.  m. 

1  AH  wretched  souls,  who  strive  in  vain, 
JTlL  Slaves  to  the  world,  and  slaves  to  sin ! 
A  nobler  toil  may  I  sustain, 

A  nobler  satisfaction  win. 

2  I  would  resolve  with  all  my  heart, 

With  all  my  pow'rs  to  serve  the  Lord; 
Nor  from  his  precepts  e'er  depart, 
Whose  service  is  a  rich  reward. 

3  O  be  his  service  all  my  joy  ! 

Around  let  my  example  shine ; 
Till  others  love  the  blest  employ, 
And  join  in  labours  so  divine. 

4  Be  this  the  purpose  of  my  soul, 

My  solemn,  my  determin'd  choice, 
To  yield  to  his  supreme  control, 
And  in  his  kind  commands  rejoice. 

5  O  may  I  never  faint  nor  tire, 

Nor  wander  from  thy  sacred  ways. 
Great  God !  accept  my  soul's  desire, 
And  give  me  strength  to  live  thy  praise. 

Hymn  288.  l.  m. 

1  \  WAKE,  our  souls !  away  our  fears ! 
jt\-  Let  ev'ry  trembling  thought  be  gone. 
Awake,  and  run  the  heav'nly  race, 

And  put  a  cheerful  courage  on. 

2  True,  'tis  a  strait  and  thorny  road, 

And  mortal  spirits  tire  and  faint; 
But  they  forget  the  mighty  God, 

Who  strength  imparts  to  ev'ry  saint: 

3  The  mighty  God,  whose  matchless  pow'r 

Is  ever  new  and  ever  young, 


AND    LIFE,    IN    GENERAL.  199 

And  firm  endures,  while  endless  years 
Their  everlasting  circles  run. 

4  Swift  as  an  eagle  cuts  the  air, 

We'll  mount  aloft  to  thine  abode; 
On  wings  of  love  our  souls  shall  fly, 
Nor  tire  amidst  the  heav'nly  road. 

Hymn  289.  CM. 

1  \  WAKE,  my  soul !  stretch  ev'ry  nerve, 
-L\-  And  press  with  vigour  on: 

A  heav'nly  race  demands  thy  zeal, 
And  an  immortal  crown. 

2  A  cloud  of  witnesses  around 

Hold  thee  in  full  survey : 
Forget  the  steps  already  trod, 
And  onward  urge  thy  way. 

3  ;Tis  God's  all-animating  voice, 

That  calls  thee  from  on  high ; 
'Tis  his  own  hand  presents  the  prize 
To  thine  aspiring  eye  : 

4  That  prize,  with  peerless  glories  bright, 

Which  shall  new  lustre  boast, 
When  victors'  crowns  and  monarchs'  gems 
Shall  blend  in  common  dust. 

Hymn  290.  c.  m. 

1  /^\L"R  country  is  Immanuel's  ground; 
V^F   We  seek  that  promis'd  soil : 

The  songs  of  Zion  cheer  our  hearts, 
While  strangers  here  we  toil. 

2  Oft  do  our  eyes  with  joy  o'erflow, 

And  oft  are  bath'd  in  tears : 
Yet  nought  but  heav'n  our  hopes  can  raise, 
And  nought  but  sin,  our  fears. 
18 


200       THE    CHRISTIAN    CHARACTER 

3  The  flow'rs,  that  spring  along  the  road, 

We  scarcely  stoop  to  pluck ; 

We  walk  o'er  beds  of  shining  ore, 

Nor  waste  one  anxious  look. 

4  We  tread  the  path  our  Master  trod ; 

We  bear  the  cross  he  bore ; 
And  ev'ry  thorn,  that  wounds  our  feet, 
His  temples  pierc'd  before. 

5  Our  pow'rs  are  oft  dissolv'd  away 

In  ecstacies  of  love ; 
And,  while  our  bodies  wander  here, 
Our  souls  are  fix'd  above. 

6  We  purge  our  mortal  dross  away, 

Refining  as  we  run; 
But,  while  we  die  to  earth  and  sense, 
Our  heav'n  is  here  begun. 

Hymn  291.  l.  m. 

1  T    ET  sorrow,  Lord,  my  bosom  fill, 

I   k   When  impious  men  transgress  thy  will* 
Teach  me  to  mourn,  when  lips  profane 
Take  thy  tremendous  name  in  vain. 

2  With  indignation  may  I  treat 
The  works  of  malice  and  deceit ; 
And  ever  from  their  friendship  flee, 
Who  dare  to  scorn  thy  laws  and  thee. 

3  Doth  secret  mischief  lurk  within  ? 
Do  I  indulge  some  unknown  sin  % 
O  turn  my  feet  whene'er  I  stra)', 
And  lead  me  in  thy  perfect  way. 


Y 


Hymn  292.  s.  m. 

E  servants  of  the  Lord, 
Each  in  his  office  wait, 


AND    LIFE,    IN    GENERAL.  201 

Observant  of  his  heav'nly  word, 
And  watchful  at  his  gate. 

2  Let  all  your  lamps  be  bright, 

And  trim  the  golden  flame, 
Gird  up  your  loins,  as  in  his  sight, 
For  awful  is  his  name. 

3  Watch  !  'tis  your  Lord's  command  ; 

And  while  we  speak,  he's  near. 
Mark  the  first  signal  of  his  hand, 
And  ready  all  appear. 

4  O  happy  servant  he, 

In  such  a  posture  found  ! 
He  shall  his  Lord  with  rapture  see, 
And  be  with  honour  crown'd. 

Hymn  293.  l.  m. 

1  \  SSIST  us,  Lord,  thy  name  to  praise, 
Jl\-  For  tins  rich  gospel  of  thy  grace ; 
And,  that  our  hearts  may  love  it  more, 
Teach  them  to  feel  its  vital  poVr. 

2  With  joy  may  we  our  course  pursue, 
And  keep  the  crown  of  life  in  view ; 
That  crown,  which  in  one  hour  repays 
The  labour  of  ten  thousand  days. 

3  Should  bonds  or  death  obstruct  our  way, 
Unmov'd  their  terrors  we'll  survey; 
And  the  last  hour  improve  for  thee, 
The  last  of  life  or  liberty. 

4  Welcome  those  bonds,  which  may  unite 
Our  souls  to  their  supreme  delight ! 
Welcome  that  death,  whose  painful  strife 
Bears  us  to  Christ,  our  better  life. 


202  FAITH. 

XVIII. 

FAITH. 


Hymn  294  c.  m. 

1  TT7J  AITH  adds  new  charms  to  earthly  bliss, 
JO     And  saves  me  from  its  snares ; 

Its  aid  in  ev'ry  duty  brings, 
And  softens  all  my  cares ; 

2  Extinguishes  the  thirst  of  sin, 

And  lights  the  sacred  fire, 
Of  love  to  God  and  heav'nly  things, 
And  feeds  the  pure  desire. 

3  The  wounded  conscience  knows  its  pow'r 

The  healing  balm  to  give ; 
That  balm  the  saddest  heart  can  cheer, 
And  make  the  dying  live. 

4  Wide  it  unveils  celestial  worlds, 

Where  deathless  pleasures  reign; 
And  bids  me  seek  my  portion  there, 
Nor  b;ds  me  seek  in  vain. 

5  Shews  me  the  precious  promise  seal'd 

With  the  Redeemer's  blood ; 
And  helps  my  feeble  hope  to  rest 
Upon  a  faithful  God. 

6  There,  there  unshaken  would  I  rest, 

Till  this  vile  body  dies ; 
And  then  on  Faith's  triumphant  wings 
At  once  to  glory  rise. 

Hymn  295.  l.  m. 

IS  by  the  faith  of  joys  to  come, 
We  walk  through  deserts  dark  as  night; 


T 


FAITH.  203 

Till  we  arrive  at  heav'n  our  home, 
Faith  is  our  guide,  and  faith  our  light. 

The  want  of  sight  she  well  supplies ; 

She  makes  the  pearly  gates  appear ; 
Far  into  distant  worlds  she  pries, 

And  brings  eternal  glories  near. 

Cheerful  we  tread  the  desert  through, 
While  faith  inspires  a  heav'nly  ray ; 

Though  lions  roar,  and  tempests  blow, 
And  rocks  and  dangers  fill  the  way. 

So  Abra'm,  by  divine  command, 

Left  his  own  house  to  walk  with  God. 

His  faith  beheld  the  promis'd  land, 
And  fir'd  his  zeal  along  the  road. 


B 


Hymn  296.  l.  m. 

Y  various  maxims,  forms,  and  rules, 
That  pass  for  wisdom  in  the  schools, 
I  strove  my  passions  to  restrain; 
But  all  my  efforts  prov'd  in  vain. 

But  since  the  Saviour  I  have  known, 
My  rules  are  all  reduc'd  to  one : — 
To  keep  my  Lord,  by  faith,  in  view. 
This  strength  supplies  and  motives  too. 

I  see  him  lead  a  sufFring  life, 
Patient  amidst  reproach  and  strife ; 
And  from  this  pattern  courage  take 
To  bear  and  suffer  for  his  sake. 

Upon  the  cross  I  see  him  bleed, 
And  by  the  sight  from  fear  am  freed. 
This  sight  destroys  the  life  of  sin, 
And  quickens  heav'nly  life  within. 

To  look  to  Jesus  as  he  rose, 
Confirms  mv  hope,  disarms  my  foes, 
IS* 


204  FAITH. 

The  world  I  shame  and  overcome, 
By  pointing  to  my  Saviour's  tomb. 

6  I  see  him  look  with  pity  down, 

And  hold  in  view  the  conq'ror's  crown. 
If  press' d  with  griefs  and  cares  before, 
My  soul  revives,  and  asks  no  more. 

7  By  faith  I  see  the  hour  at  hand, 
When  in  his  presence  I  shall  stand. 
Then  it  will  be  my  endless  bliss, 
To  see  him  where  and  as  he  is. 

Hymn  297.  l.  m. 

1  1  '    ORD,  dost  thou  shew  a  corner-stone, 

I   k   For  us  to  build  our  hopes  upon, 
That  the  fair  edifice  may  rise 
Sublime  in  light  beyond  the  skies  % 

2  Thy  people  long  this  stone  have  try'd, 
And  all  the  pow'rs  of  hell  defy'd. 
Floods  of  temptation  beat  in  vain  ; 
Well  doth  this  rock  the  house  sustain. 

3  When  storms  and  tempests  round  prevail, 
Whirlwind  and  thunder,  fire  and  hail ; 
'Tis  here  our  trembling  souls  shall  hide, 
And  here  securely  they  abide. 

Hymn  298.  l.  m. 

1  TN  vain  would  boasting  reason  find 
A  The  path  to  happiness  and  God ; 
Her  weak  directions  leave  the  mind 

Bewilder' d  in  a  doubtful  road. 

2  Jesus,  thy  words  alone  impart 

Eternal  life ;  on  these  I  live ; 
Diviner  comforts  cheer  my  heart, 
Than  all  the  pow'rs  of  nature  give. 


FAITH.  205 

3  Here  let  my  constant  feet  abide : 

Thou  art  the  true,  the  living  way  : 
Let  thy  good  Spirit  be  my  guide 

To  the  bright  realms  of  endless  day. 

4  The  various  forms  that  men  devise, 

To  shake  my  faith  with  treactfrous  art, 
I  scorn  as  vanity  and  lies, 

And  bind  thy  gospel  to  my  heart. 


J 


Hymn  299.  l.  m. 

ESUS  !  and  shall  it  ever  be, 
A  mortal  man  ashanvd  of  thee  ! 
Ashanvd  of  thee,  whom  angels  praise, 
Whose  glory  shines  through  endless  days. 

2  Asham'd  of  Jesus,  that  dear  friend, 
On  whom  my  hopes  of  heav'n  depend! 
No :  when  I  blush,  be  this  my  shame, 
That  I  no  more  revere  his  name. 

3  Asham'd  of  Jesus  !  yes,  I  may, 
When  I've  no  guilt  to  wash  away, 
No  tears  to  wipe,  no  good  to  crave, 
No  fears  to  quell,  no  soul  to  save. 

4  His  institutions  will  I  prize: 

Take  up  the  cross,  the  shame  despise ; 
Dare  to  defend  his  noble  cause, 
And  yield  obedience  to  his  laws. 

Hymn  300.  l.  m. 

1  ^HALL  I  forsake  that  heav'nly  Friend, 
k3   On  whom  my  noblest  hopes  depend  i 
Forbid  it,  that  my  wand' ring  heart 

From  thee,  my  Saviour,  should  depart ! 

2  First  let  the  wheels  of  life  stand  still, 
Ere  I  forget  thy  gracious  will ; 


206  FAITH. 

Ere  I  submit  to  guilty  shame, 
And  bring  dishonour  on  thy  name. 

3  Faithful  to  thee,  and  to  thy  laws, 
With  zeal  I  would  maintain  thy  cause, 
The  cause  of  truth  and  righteousness, 
'Midst  trial,  surf' ring,  and  distress. 

4  If  e'er  I  am  call'd  t' encounter  death 
For  thee,  may  I  resign  my  breath ; 
And  reap  at  last  the  bright  reward, 
Which  waits  the  servants  of  the  Lord. 

Hymn  301.  l.  m. 

1  "1T^7~HAT  mean  these  jealousies  and  fears, 

T  ?      As  if  my  Lord  were  loth  to  save  ? 
Or  lovd  to  see  us  steep' d  in  tears, 
And  sink  with  sorrow  to  the  grave  ? 

2  Does  he  want  slaves  to  grace  his  throne? 

Or  crush  them  with  an  iron  rod  ? 
Is  he  refresh' d  to  hear  us  groan? 
Is  he  a  tyrant,  or  a  God  1 

3  Not  all  th'  iniquities  thou'st  wrought 

So  much  his  tender  bowels  grieve, 
As  this  unkind,  injurious  thought, — 
That  lie's  unwilling  to  forgive. 

Hymn  302.  l.  m. 

1  '^TT'HEN  darkness  long  has  veil'd  my  mind, 

v  ?      And  smiling  day  once  more  appears  ; 
Then,  my  Creator  !  then  I  find 
The  folly  of  my  doubts  and  fears. 

2  Straight  I  upbraid  my  wand' ring  heart, 

And  blush  that  I  should  ever  be 
Thus  prone  to  act  so  base  a  part, 

Or  harbour  one  hard  thought  of  thee. 


FAITH.  207 

3  O  let  me  then  be  fully  taught, 

What  I  am  still  so  slow  to  learn, 
That  God  is  love,  and  changes  not, 
Nor  knows  the  shadow  of  a  turn. 

Hymn  303.  l.  m. 

1  O  ING  to  the  Lord,  who  loud  proclaims 
k^   His  various  and  his  saving  names. 

O  may  they  not  be  heard  alone, 
But  by  our  sure  experience  known. 

2  Awake,  our  noblest  pow'rs,  to  bless 
The  God  of  Abra'm — God  of  peace; 
Now  by  a  dearer  title  known, 
Father  and  God  of  Christ  his  Son. 

3  Through  ev'ry  age  his  gracious  ear 
Is  open  to  his  servants  pray'r; 
Nor  can  one  humble  soul  complain, 
That  it  hath  sought  its  God  in  vain. 

4  What  unbelieving  heart  shall  dare 
In  whispers  to  suggest  a  fear, 
While  still  he  owns  his  ancient  name, 
The  same  his  powr,  his  love  the  same? 

5  To  thee  our  souls  in  faith  arise, 
To  thee  we  lift  expecting  eyes, 

And  boldly  through  the  desert  tread ; 

For  God  will  guard,  where  God  shall  lead. 


Hymn  304.  c.  m. 


H 


To  mansions  in  the  skies ! 
He  looks  on  all  the  joys  of  time 
With  undesiring  eyes. 

2  In  vain  soft  pleasure  spreads  her  charms, 
And  throws  her  silken  chain ; 


208  FAITH. 

And  wealth  and  fame  invite  his  arms, 
And  tempt  his  ear  in  vain. 

3  He  knows,  that  all  these  glitt'ring  things 

Must  yield  to  sure  decay : 
And  sees  on  time's  extended  wings 
How  swift  they  flee  away  ! 

4  To  things  unseen  by  mortal  eyes, 

A  beam  of  sacred  light 
Directs  his  view  ;  his  prospects  rise 
All  permanent  and  bright. 

5  His  hopes  are  fix'd  on  joys  to  come  : 

Those  blissful  scenes  on  high 
Shall  flourish  in  immortal  bloom, 
When  time  and  nature  die. 

Hymn  305.  c.  m. 

1  1%/riSTAKEN  souls,  that  dream  of  heav'n, 
JLT JL  And  make  their  empty  boast 

Of  inward  joys  and  sins  forgiv'n, 
While  they  are  slaves  to  lust ! 

2  Vain  are  our  fancies,  airy  flights, 

If  faith  be  cold  and  dead ; 
None  but  a  living  pow'r  unites 
To  Christ  the  living  Head  :— ~ 

3  A  faith  that  changes  all  the  heart ; 

A  faith  that  works  by  love ; 
That  bids  all  sinful  joys  depart, 
And  lifts  the  thoughts  above. 

4  Faith  must  obey  our  Father's  will, 

As  well  as  trust  his  grace : 
A  pard'ning  God  requires  us  still 
To  perfect  holiness. 


DUTIES    OF    PIETY.  209 

XIX 

DUTIES  OF  PIETY.       " 


Hymn  306.  l.m. 

1  T^  TERNAL  God,'  almighty  cause 

JLi    Of  earth,  and  seas,  and  worlds  unknown ! 
All  things  are  subject  to  thy  laws ; 
All  things  depend  on  thee  alone. 

2  Thy  glorious  being  singly  stands, 

Of  all  within  itself  possest; 
By  none  control' d  in  thy  commands, 
And  in  thyself  completely  blest. 

3  To  thee  alone  ourselves  we  owe; 

Let  heav  n  and  earth  due  homage  pay: 
All  other  gods  we  disavow, 

Deny  their  claims,  renounce  their  sway. 

4  In  thee,  O  Lord,  our  hope  shall  rest, 

Fountain  of  peace,  and  joy,  and  love  ! 
Thy  favour  only  makes  us  blest ; 

Without  thee  all  would  nothing  prove. 

5  Worship  to  thee  alone  belongs ; 

Worship  to  thee  alone  we  give ; 
Thine  be  our  hearts  and  thine  our  songs, 
And  to  thy  glory  we  would  live. 

6  Spread  thy  great  name  through  heathen  lands  j 

Their  idol-deities  dethrone : 
Subdue  the  world  to  thy  commands, 
And  reign  as  thou  art,  God  alone. 


210  duties  of  piety. 

Hymn  307.  l.  m. 

1  £~^  REAT  God !  thy  peerless  excellence 
VT  Let  all  created  natures  own : 

Deep  on  our  minds  impress  the  sense 
Of  glories  which  are  thine  alone. 

2  Let  these  our  admiration  raise, 

And  fill  us  with  religious  awe; 
Tune  all  our  hearts  and  tongues  to  praise, 
And  bend  us  to  thy  holy  law. 

3  Pure  may  we  be,  averse  to  sin, 

Just,  holy,  mercitu  I,  and  true ; 
And  let  thine  image,  form'd  within, 
Shine  out  in  all  we  speak  and  do. 

Hymn  308.  c.  m. 

1  1%/T  Y  soul,  before  thy  Maker  bow ; 
JLt  J_  His  wondrous  works  admire, 
Till  rev'rence  and  religious  awe 

Thine  inmost  thoughts  inspire. 

2  With  humble  trust  dismiss  thy  cares, 

And  on  his  love  depend ; 
Leave  him  to  manage  thine  affairs, 
To  him  thyself  commend. 

3  Let  high  esteem  affection  raise; 

Devotion  warm  thy  breast; 
Let  thankful  love  excite  thy  praise ; 
In  him  alone  be  blest. 

4  To  him  thy  solemn  homage  pay ; 

His  constant  aid  implore; 
Give  thanks  for  mercies  ev'ry  day, 
And  thus  prepare  for  more. 


DUTIES    OF    PIETY.  211 

5  Without  reserve  to  him  submit ; 
All  his  commands  fulfil ; 
Acknowledge  all  his  actions  fit, 
Nor  e'er  oppose  his  will. 

Hymn  309.  l.  m. 

1  "T71TERXAL  and  immortal  King ! 

J_J    Thy  peerless  splendours  none  can  bear ; 
But  darkness  veils  seraphic  eyes ; 
When  God  with  all  his  glory's  there. 

2  Yet  faith  can  pierce  the  awful  gloom, 

The  great  Invisible  can  see  : 
And  with  its  tremblings  mingle  joy, 
In  fix'd  regards,  great  God !  to  thee. 

3  Then  ev'ry  tempting  form  of  sin, 

Aw!d  by  thy  presence,  disappears; 
And  all  the  glowing,  raptur'd  soul 
The  likeness,  it  contemplates,  wears. 

4  O  ever  conscious  to  my  heart  ! 

Witness  to  its  supreme  desire ; 
Behold  it  presses  on  to  thee, 

For  it  hath  caught  the  heav'nly  fire. 

5  This  one  petition  would  I  urge : 

To  bear  thee  ever  in  my  sight ! 
In  life,  in  death,  in  worlds  unknown, 
My  only  portion  and  delight. 

Hymn  310.  c.  m. 

1  f  1 1 HRICE  happy  souls,  who,  born  of  heaVn, 

J_     Whilst  yet  they  sojourn  here, 
Humbly  begin  their  days  with  God, 
And  spend  them  in  his  fear. 

2  So  may  our  eyes  with  holy  zeal 

Prevent  the  dawning  day, 
19 


212  DUTIES    OF    PIETY. 

And  turn  the  sacred  pages  o'er, 
And  praise  thy  name  and  pray. 

3  Midst  hourly  cares  may  love  present 

Its  incense  to  thy  throne  ; 
And,  while  the  world  our  hands  employs, 
Our  hearts  be  thine  alone  ! 

4  As  sanctify' d  to  noblest  ends, 

Be  each  refreshment  sought ; 
And  by  each  various  providence 
Some  wise  instruction  brought. 

5  When  to  laborious  duties  call'd, 

Or  by  temptations  try'd; 
We'll  seek  the  shelter  of  thy  wings, 
And  in  thy  strength  confide. 

6  As  diff'rent  scenes  of  life  arise, 

Our  grateful  hearts  would  be 
With  thee  amidst  the  social  band, 
In  solitude  with  thee. 

7  At  night  we  lean  our  weary  heads 

On  thy  paternal  breast  j 
And,  safely  folded  in  thine  arms, 
Resign  our  pow'rs  to  rest. 

8  In  solid,  pure  delights,  like  these, 

Let  all  my  days  be  pass'd: 
Nor  shall  I  then  impatient  wish, 
Nor  shall  I  fear  the  last. 

Hymn  311.  c.  m. 

1  nlX7"HILE  thee  I  seek,  protecting  Pow'r ! 

Tf      Be  my  vain  wishes  still'd; 
And  may  this  consecrated  hour 
With  better  hopes  be  fill'd. 

2  Thy  love  the  pow'rs  of  thought  bestow'd: 

To  thee  my  thoughts  would  soar. 


DUTIES    OF    PIETY.  213 

Thv  mercy  o'er  my  life  has  flow'd  : 
That  mercy  I  adore. 

3  In  each  event  of  life,  how  clear 

Thy  ruling  hand  I  see  ! 
Each  blessing  to  my  soul  more  dear, 
Because  bestow' d  by  thee. 

4  In  evry  joy  that  crowns  my  days, 

In  evry  pain  I  bear, 
My  heart  shall  find  delight  in  praise, 
Or  seek  relief  in  pray'r. 

5  When  gladness  wings  my  favour' d  hour, 

Thy  love  my  thoughts  shall  fill : 
Resign' d.  when  storms  of  sorrow  low'r, 
My  soul  shall  meet  thy  will. 

6  My  lifted  eye,  without  a  tear, 

The  low' ring  storm  shall  see; 
My  steadfast  heart  shall  know  no  fear: 
That  heart  will  rest  on  thee  ! 

Hymn  312.  l.  m. 

1  fiUR  Father,  thron'd  above  the  sky, 
V>J   To  thee  our  empty  hands  we  spread ; 
Thy  children  at  thy  footstool  lie, 

And  ask  thy  blessings  on  their  head. 

2  With  cheerful  hope  and  filial  fear, 

In  that  august  and  precious  name, 
By  thee  ordain' d,  we  now  draw  near, 
And  would  the  promis'd  blessing  claim. 

3  Does  not  an  earthly  parent  hear 

The  cravings  of  his  famish'd  son? 
Will  he  reject  the  filial  pray'r, 

Or  mock  him  with  a  cake  of  stone  ? 

4  Our  heav'nly  Father,  how  much  more 

Will  thy  divine  compassions  rise ; 


214  DUTIES    OF    PIETY. 

And  open  thine  unbounded  store, 
To  satisfy  thy  children's  cries? 

5  Yes,  we  will  ask,  and  seek,  and  press 

For  gracious  audience  at  thy  seat; 
Still  hoping,  waiting  for  success, 
If  persevering  to  entreat. 

6  For  Jesus  in  his  faithful  word 

The  upright  supplicant  has  blest ; 
And  all  thy  saints  with  one  accord 
The  prevalence  of  pray'r  attest. 

Hymn  313.  cm. 

1  "1~"I  APPY  the  heart,  where  graces  reign, 
11  Where  love  inspires  the  breast : 
Love  is  the  brightest  of  the  train, 

And  strengthens  all  the  rest. 

2  Knowledge,  alas  !  'tis  all  in  vain, 

And  all  in  vain  our  fear : 
Our  stubborn  sins  will  fight  and  reign, 
If  love  be  absent  there. 

3  'Tis  love,  that  makes  our  cheerful  feet 

In  swift  obedience  move. 
The  devils  know,  and  tremble  too ; 
But  devils  do  not  love. 

4  This  is  the  grace,  that  lives  and  sings, 

When  faith  and  hope  shall  cease. 
'Tis  this  shall  strike  our  joyful  strings 
In  the  sweet  realms  of  bliss. 

Hymn  314.  p.  m.  8s. 

1   FTl  HO U  hidden  love  of  God,  whose  height, 
A     Whose  depth  unfathom'd  no  man  knows 
I  see  from  far  thy  beauteous  light, 
I  only  sigh  for  thy  repose ; 


DUTIES    OF    PIETY.  215 

My  heart  is  pain'd,  nor  can  it  be 
At  rest,  till  it  finds  rest  in  thee. 

2  Is  there  a  tiling  beneath  the  sun, 

That  strives  with  thee  my  heart  to  share? 
Ah  !  tear  it  thence,  and  reign  alone, 

The  Lord  of  ev'ry  motion  there. 
Then  shall  my  heart  from  earth  be  free, 
When  it  hath  found  repose  in  thee. 

3  Each  moment  draw  from  earth  away 

My  heart,  that  lowly  waits  thy  call. 
Speak  to  my  inmost  soul,  and  say : 

14 1  am  thy  love,  thy  God,  thy  all !  " 
To  feel  thy  pow;r,  to  hear  thy  voice, 
To  taste  thy  love,  be  all  my  choice. 

Hymn  315.  p.  m.  s.s.&es. 

1   T>AREXT  of  good!  thy  works  of  might 
A     I  trace  with  wonder  and  delight  j 

Thy  name  is  all  divine. 
There's  nought  in  earth,  or  sea,  or  air, 
Or  heav'n  itself  that's  good  or  fair, 

But  what  is  wholly  thine. 

2  Immensely  high  thy  glories  rise  ; 
They  strike  my  soul  with  sweet  surprise, 

And  sacred  pleasure  yield  : 
An  ocean  wide  without  a  bound, 
Where  ev'ry  noble  wish  is  drown' d, 

And  ev'ry  want  is  fill'd. 

3  To  thee  my  warm  affections  move, 
In  sweet  astonishment  and  love, 

While  at  thy  feet  I  fall  : 
I  pant  for  nought  beneath  the  skies; 
To  thee  my  ardent  wishes  rise, 

O  my  eternal  All ! 

19* 


216  DUTIES    OF    PIETY. 

4  What  shall  I  do  to  spread  thy  praise, 
My  God  !  through  my  remaining  days, 

Or  how  thy  name  adore  % 
To  thee  I  consecrate  my  breath ; 
Let  me  be  thine  in  life  and  death, 

And  thine  for  evermore. 

Hymn  316.  l.  m. 

1  fl  REAT  God  !  our  joyful  thanks  to  thee, 
VJT  Shall,  like  thy  gifts,  continual  be : 

In  constant  streams  thy  bounty  flows, 
Nor  end  nor  interruption  knows. 

2  From  thee  our  comforts  all  arise, 

Our  num'rous  wants  thy  hand  supplies; 
Nor  can  we  ever,  Lord,  be  poor, 
Who  live  on  thine  exhaustless  store. 

3  Deep,  Lord,  upon  our  thankful  breast 
Let  all  thy  favours  be  impress' d; 
That  we  may  never  more  forget 
The  whole  or  any  single  debt. 

4  May  we  with  grateful  hearts  each  day 
For  all  thy  gifts  our  praises  pay ; 
And  still  delighted  may  we  be, 

In  all  things  to  give  thanks  to  thee. 

Hymn  317.  l.  m. 

1  jT^  OD  of  my  life,  through  all  its  days 

\JT  My  grateful  pow'rs  shall  sound  thy  praise; 
The  song  shall  wake  with  op'ning  light, 
And  cheer  the  dark  and  silent  night. 

2  When  anxious  cares  would  break  my  rest, 
And  griefs  would  rend  my  throbbing  breast* 
Thy  tuneful  praises  rais'd  on  high 

Shall  check  the  murmur  and  the  sigh. 


DUTIES    OF    PIETY.  217 

3  When  death  o'er  nature  shall  prevail, 
And  all  its  pow'rs  of  language  fail; 

Joy  through  my  swimming  eyes  shall  break, 
And  mean  the  thanks  I  cannot  speak. 

4  But,  O,  when  that  last  conflict's  o'er, 
And  I  am  chain' d  to  earth  no  more ; 
With  what  glad  accents  shall  I  rise, 
To  join  the  music  of  the  skies  ! 

5  Soon  shall  I  learn  th'  exalted  strains, 
Which  echo  o'er  the  heav'nly  plains; 
And  emulate,  with  joy  unknown, 

The  glowing  seraphs  round  thy  throne. 

Hymn  318.  s.  m. 

1  1%/T  Y  Father  !  cheering  name ! 
IT JL  0  may  I  call  thee  mine  ! 
Give  me  with  humble  hope  to  claim 

A  portion  so  divine. 

2  This  can  my  fears  control, 

And  bid  my  sorrows  fly : 
What  real  harm  can  reach  my  soul 
Beneath  my  Father's  eye  ? 

3  Whate'er  thy  will  denies, 

I  calmly  would  resign; 
For  thou  art  just,  and  good,  and  wise : 
O  bend  my  will  to  thine ! 

4  Whate'er  thy  will  ordains, 

O  give  me  strength  to  bear ; 
Still  let  me  know,  a  Father  reigns, 
And  trust  a  Father's  care. 

5  If  anguish  rend  this  frame, 

And  life  almost  depart  : 
Is  not  thy  mercy  still  the  same, 
To  cheer  my  drooping  heart? 


218  DUTIES    OF    PIETY. 

6  Thy  ways  are  little  known 

To  my  weak,  erring  sight ; 
Yet  shall  my  soul,  believing,  own, 
That  all  thy  ways  are  right. 

7  My  Father  !  blissful  name  ! 

Beyond  expression  dear : 
If  thou  admit  my  humble  claim, 
I  bid  adieu  to  fear. 

Hymn  319.  c.  m. 

1  |^|  LORD  !  my  best  desires  fulfil, . 
V>J  And  help  me  to  resign 

Life,  health,  and  comfort  to  thy  will, 
And  make  thy  pleasure  mine. 

2  Why  should  I  shrink  at  thy  command, 

Whose  love  forbids  my  fears  ? 
Or  tremble  at  thy  gracious  hand, 
That  wipes  away  my  tears  ? 

3  No ;  let  me  rather  freely  yield 

What  most  I  prize  to  thee, 
Who  never  hast  a  good  withheld, 
Or  wilt  withhold  from  me. 

4  Wisdom  and  mercy  guide  my  way ; 

Shall  I  resist  them  both  ? 
Short-sighted  creature  of  a  day, 
And  crush' d  before  the  moth  ! 

5  But,  ah  !  my  heart  within  me  cries, 

Still  bind  me  to  thy  sway ; 
Else  the  next  cloud,  that  veils  the  skies, 
Drives  all  these  thoughts  away. 


lW 


Hymn  320.  c.  m. 

HEN  present  sufT rings  pain  my  heart, 
Or  future  terrors  rise, 


DUTIES    OF    PIETY.  219 

And  life  and  hope  almost  depart 
From  these  dejected  eyes : 

2  Thy  pow'rful  word  supports  my  hope, 

Sweet  cordial  of  the  mind! 

And  bears  my  fainting  spirit  up, 

And  bids  me  wait  resign' d. 

3  And,  oh  !  whate'er  of  earthly  bliss 

Thy  providence  denies, 
Accepted  at  thy  throne  of  grace 
Let  this  petition  rise  : 

4  Give  me  a  calm,  a  thankful  heart, 

From  ev'ry  murmur  free; 
The  blessings  of  thy  grace  impart, 
And  let  me  live  to  thee. 

5  Let  the  sweet  hope,  that  I  am  thine, 

My  path  of  life  attend; 
Thy  presence  through  my  journey  shine, 
And  crown  my  journey's  end ! 


Hymn  321.  l. 


m. 


1  \\7~H^  Sinks  my  weak  desPonding  mind? 

▼  T      Why  heaves  my  heart  the  anxious  sigh? 
Can  sov' reign  goodness  be  unkind? 
Am  I  not  safe,  if  God  be  nigh  ? 

2  He  holds  all  nature  in  his  hand  : 

That  gracious  hand,  on  which  I  live, 
Does  life,  and  time,  and  death  command, 
And  has  immortal  joys  to  give. 

3  Infinite  wisdom  !  boundless  pow'r  ! 

Unchanging  faithfulness  and  love  ! 

Here  let  me  trust,  while  I  adore, 
Nor  from  my  refuge  e'er  remove. 

4  Forgive  my  doubts,  O  gracious  Lord  ! 

And  ease  the  sorrows  of  my  breast; 


220  DUTIES    OF   PIETY. 

Speak  to  my  heart  the  healing  word, 
That  thou  art  mine, — and  I  am  blest. 

Hymn  322.  l.  m. 

1  ~W7J7"HY  is  my  heart  with  grief  oppress'd  ? 

▼  ▼      Can  all  the  pains  I  feel  or  fear, 
Make  thee,  my  soul,  forget  thy  rest, 
Forget  that  God,  thy  God  is  near  ? 

2  Mortality's  unnumber'd  ills 

Are  all  beneath  his  so v' reign  hand; 
Each  pain,  which  this  frail  body  feels, 
Attends,  obedient,  his  command. 

3  Lord,  form  my  temper  to  thy  will ! 

If  thou  my  faith  and  patience  prove, 
May  ev'ry  painful  stroke  fulfil 
The  purposes  of  faithful  love  ! 

4  O  may  this  weak,  this  fainting  mind 

A  Father's  hand  adoring  see  ; 
Confess  thee  just,  and  wise,  and  kind, 
And  trust  thy  word,  and  cleave  to  thee ! 

Hymn  323.  s.  m. 

1  "Y17~HEN  overwhelm' d  with  grief; 

T  V      My  heart  within  me  dies ; 
Helpless,  and  far  from  all  relief) 
To  heav'n  I  lift  mine  eyes. 

2  O  lead  me  to  the  rock 

That's  high  above  my  head; 
And  make  the  covert  of  thy  wings, 
My  shelter  and  my  shade. 

3  Within  thy  presence,  Lord  ! 

For  ever  I'll  abide  : 
Thou  art  the  tow'r  of  my  defence, 
The  refuge  where  I  hide. 


DUTIES    OF    PIETY.  221 

4  Thou  givest  me  the  lot 

Of  those  that  fear  thy  name. 
If  endless  life  be  their  reward, 
I  shall  possess  the  same. 

Hymn  324.  l.  m. 

1  |^1  OURAGE,  my  soul !  while  God  is  near, 
Vy   What  enemy  hast  thou  to  fear? 

How  canst  thou  want  a  sure  defence, 
Whose  refuge  is  omnipotence? 

2  Though  thickest  dangers  crowd  my  way, 
My  God  can  chase  my  fears  away ; 

My  steadfast  heart  on  him  relies, 
And  all  those  dangers  still  defies. 

3  Though  billows  after  billows  roll, 
To  overwhelm  my  sinking  soul ; 
Firm  as  a  rock  my  faith  shall  stand, 
Upheld  by  God's  almighty  hand. 

4  In  life,  his  presence  is  my  aid ; 

In  death,  'twill  guide  me  through  the  shade; 
Chase  all  my  rising  fears  away, 
And  turn  my  darkness  into  day. 


XX. 

PERSONAL   DUTIES. 


Hymx  325.  b.  Mi 

MPOSTURE  shrinks  from  light, 
And  dreads  the  curious  eye : 
But  Christian  truths  the  test  invite, 
They  bid  us  search  and  try. 


I 


222  PERSONAL    DUTIES. 

2  A  meek,  inquiring  mind, 

Lord,  help  us  to  maintain ; 
That  growing  knowledge  we  may  find, 
And  growing  virtue  gain. 

3  With  understanding  bless' d, 

Created  to  be  free, 
Our  faith  on  man  we  dare  not  rest, 
Subject  to  none  but  thee. 

4  Lord,  give  the  light  we  need ; 

With  soundest  knowledge  fill; 
From  noxious  error  guard  our  creed, 
From  prejudice  our  will. 

5  The  truth  thou  shalt  impart, 

May  we  with  firmness  own ; 
Abhorring  each  evasive  art, 
And  fearing  thee  alone. 

Hymn  326.  l.  m. 

1  \  WAKE,  my  soul !  rouse  ev'ry  pow'r  j 
-lJL  Thy  Christian  dignity  display  : 

Let  lust  and  passion  reign  no  more ; 
No  longer  own  their  lawless  sway. 

2  Thy  temper  meek  and  humble  be, 

Content  and  pleas' d  with  ev'ry  state; 
From  dire  revenge  and  envy  free, 
And  wild  ambition  to  be  great. 

3  Confine  thy  roving  appetites ; 

From  this  vain  world  withdraw  thine  eyes ; 
Fix  them  on  those  divine  delights, 
Which  angels  taste  above  the  skies. 

4  With  eager  zeal  pursue  the  prize ; 

Each  fleeting  hour  of  life  improve : 

This  course  will  speak  thee  truly  wise, 

And  raise  thee  to  the  world  above. 


personal  duties.  223 

Hymn  327.  l.m. 

1  /"~\   THOU,  whose  scales  the  mountains  weigh ! 
\_J  Whose  will  the  raging  seas  obey  ! 

Thou,  who  canst  boist'rous  winds  control ! 
Subdue  the  tumults  of  my  soul. 

2  May  I  with  equal  mind  sustain 
My  lot  of  pleasure  and  of  pain ; 
May  joys  and  sorrows  gently  flow, 
Nor  rise  too  high,  nor  sink  too  low. 

3  Do  thou  my  passions,  Lord,  restrain, 
And  in  my  soul  unrivalld  reign. 
Then,  with  whatever  loads  oppress' d, 
Centered  in  thee,  my  soul  shall  rest. 

4  0  when  shall  my  still  wav:ring  mind 
This  sweetest  self-possession  find  ! 
Fountain  of  joy  !   I  long  to  see 

In  thee  my  peace,  my  heav'n  in  thee  ! 

Hymn  328.  c.  m. 

1  /~\  :TIS  a  lovely  thing  to  see 
V^/   A  man  of  prudent  heart, 
Whose  thoughts,  and  lips,  and  life  agree 

To  act  a  useful  part. 

2  When  envy,  strife,  and  war  begin 

In  little  angry  souls : 
Mark,  how  the  sons  of  peace  come  in 
And  quench  the  kindling  coals. 

3  Their  minds  are  humble,  mild,  and  meek, 

No  furious  passions  rise ; 
Nor  malice  moves  their  lips  to  speak, 
Nor  pride  exalts  their  eyes. 

4  Their  lives  are  prudence  mix'd  with  love; 

Good  works  employ  their  day ; 
20 


224  PERSONAL    DUTIES. 

They  join  the  serpent  with  the  *dove, 
But  cast  the  sting  away. 

5  Such  was  the  Saviour  of  mankind ; 
Such  pleasures  he  pursu'd; 
His  manners  gentle  and  refin' d, 
His  soul  divinely  good. 


Hymn  329.  l.  m. 

1  IV/I"  ARK !  when  tempestuous  winds  arise, 
_LyJL  The  wild  confusion  and  uproar ; 

All  ocean  mixing  with  the  skies, 

And  wrecks  are  dash'd  upon  the  shore. 

2  Not  less  confusion  racks  the  mind, 

By  its  own  fierce  ideas  tost ; 
Calm  reason  is  to  rage  resign' d, 
And  in  the  whirl  of  passion  lost. 

3  O  self-tormenting  child  of  pride, 

Anger,  bred  up  in  hate  and  strife  ! 
Ten  thousand  ills,  by  thee  supply' d, 
Mingle  the  cup  of  bitter  life. 

4  Happy  the  meek,  whose  gentle  breast, 

Clear  as  the  summer's  ev'ning  ray, 
Calm  as  the  regions  of  the  blest, 
Enjoys  on  earth  celestial  day  ! 

5  No  friendships  broke  their  bosoms  sting, 

No  jars  their  peaceful  tent  invade ; 
Secure  beneath  th'  almighty  wing, 
And,  foes  to  none,  of  none  afraid. 

6  Spirit  of  grace,  all  meek  and  mild ! 

Inspire  our  hearts,  our  souls  possess ; 
Repel  each  passion  rude  and  wild, 
And  bless  us  as  we  aim  to  bless. 


I 


PERSONAL    DUTIES       -  225 

Hymn  330.  p.  m.  s,s,&63. 

F  solid  happiness  we  prize, 


Within  our  breasts  this  jewel  lies ; 

And  they  are  fools  who  roam. 
The  world  has  little  to  bestow : 
From  our  own  selves  our  joys  must  flow; 

Our  bliss  begins  at  home. 

2  We'll  therefore  relish  with  content 
Whate'er  kind  Providence  has  sent, 

Nor  aim  beyond  our  pow'r : 
And  if  our  store  of  wealth  be  small, 
With  thankful  heart  improve  it  all, 

Nor  waste  the  present  hour. 

3  To  be  resign' d,  when  ills  betide, 
Patient,  when  favours  are  denied, 

And  pleas' d  with  favours  giv'n: 
This  is  the  wise,  the  virtuous  part ; 
This  is  that  incense  of  the  heart, 

Whose  fragrance  reaches  heav'n. 

4  Thus  through  life's  changing  scenes  we'll  go, 
Its  chequer' d  paths  of  joy  and  wo 

With  cautious  steps  we'll  tread; 
Quit  its  vain  scenes  without  a  tear, 
Without  a  trouble  or  a  fear, 

And  mingle  with  the  dead : 

5  While  conscience,  like  a  faithful  friend, 
Shall  through  the  gloomy  vale  attend, 

And  cheer  our  dying  breath ; 
Shall,  when  all  other  comforts  cease, 
Like  a  kind  angel,  whisper  peace, 

And  smooth    the  bed  of  death. 


TUB 


Hymn  331.  cm. 

gracious  God,  accept  my  pray'r  ! 
e'er  thy  love  divine 


226  PERSONAL    DUTIES. 

Should  prosper  my  well-meaning  care, 
And  wealth  should  e'er  be  mine : 

2  May  humble  worth,  without  a  fear, 

Approach  my  open  door; 
Nor  may  I  ever  view  a  tear, 
Regardless,  from  the  poor. 

3  O  bless  me  with  an  honest  mind, 

Above  all  selfish  ends ; 
Humanely  warm  to  all  mankind, 
And  cordial  to  my  friends. 

4  Thee  in  remembrance  may  I  bear, 

To  thee  my  tribute  raise  ; 
Conclude  each  day  with  fervent  pray'r, 
And  wake  each  morn  with  praise. 

5  Thus  through  my  life  may  I  approve 

The  gratitude  I  owe  ; 
And  share  at  length  thy  bliss  above, 
Whose  laws  I  keep  below ! 

Hymn  332.  l.  m. 

1  XTTHEREFORE  should  man,  frail  child  of  clay, 

▼  ▼      Who,  from  the  cradle  to  the  shroud, 
Lives  but  the  insect  of  a  day, — 

O  why  should  mortal  man  be  proud  ? 

2  His  brightest  visions  just  appear, 

Then  vanish,  and  no  more  are  found : 
The  stateliest  pile  his  pride  can  rear, 
A  breath  may  level  with  the  ground. 

3  By  doubts  perplex' d,  in  error  lost, 

With  trembling  step  he  seeks  his  way : 
How  vain  of  wisdom's  gift  the  boast! 
Of  reason's  lamp  how  faint  the  ray  ! 

4  Follies  and  crimes,  a  countless  sum, 

Are  crowded  in  life's  little  span  : 


PERSONAL    DUTIES.  227 

How  ill,  alas,  does  pride  become 
That  erring,  guilty  creature,  man  ! 

5  God  of  my  life!  Father  divine! 

Give  nie  a  meek  and  lowly  mind; 
In  modest  worth,  O  let  me  shine, 
And  peace  in  humble  virtue  find. 

Hymn  333.  l.  m. 

1  /"^FT  have  I  turn'd  mine  eye  within, 
V/   And  brought  to  light  some  latent  sin; 
But  pride,  the  vice  I  most  detest, 

Still  lurks  securely  in  my  breast. 

2  She  hides  my  follies  from  mine  eyes, 
And  lifts  my  virtues  to  the  skies ; 
And  while  the  specious  tale  she  tells, 
Her  own  deformity  conceals. 

3  Rend,  O  my  God  !  the  veil  away ; 
Bring  forth  the  monster  to  the  day  ; 
Expose  her  hideous  form  to  view, 
And  all  her  restless  pow'r  subdue. 

4  So  shall  humility  divine 

Again  possess  this  heart  of  mine; 
And  form  a  temple  for  my  God, 
Which  he  will  make  his  lov'd  abode. 

Hyiin  334.  l.  m 

1  f  I  ^  HE  man,  whose  firm  and  equal  mind 

-L  To  solid  glory  is  inclin'd, 
Determin'd  will  his  path  pursue, 
And  keep  the  godlike  prize  in  view. 

2  His  calm,  undaunted,  manly  breast, 
Of  virtue,  honour,  truth  possess'd, 
Will  stem  the  torrent  of  the  age, 
And  fearless  tread  this  mortal  stage. 

20* 


228  PERSONAL    DUTIES. 

3  Amidst  th'  assailing  ills  of  life, 
Pride,  passion,  malice,  envy,  strife, 
He'll  act  his  part  without  disguise, 
Intrepid,  gen'rous,  just,  and  wise. 

4  In  conscious  rectitude  secure, 
This  man  unshaken  shall  endure 
Of  human  woes  the  num'rous  train, 
Oppression,  bondage,  sickness,  pain. 

5  And  when,  at  last,  th'  eternal  Pow'r 
Shall  fix  th'  irrevocable  hour, 

That  solemn  hour  which  none  can  fly, 
Since  'tis  decreed  that  all  must  die : 

6  Conscious  of  sov' reign  mercy  near, 
Its  voice  shall  banish  ev'ry  fear; 
While  faith  and  hope  in  joys  to  come 
Waft  him  to  realms  beyond  the  tomb. 

Hymn  335.  l.  m. 

1  1%/T Y  God !  permit  me  not  to  be 
J_T JL  A  stranger  to  myself  and  thee : 
Amidst  a  thousand  thoughts  I  rove. 
Forgetful  of  my  highest  love. 

2  Why  should  my  passions  mix  with  earth, 
And  thus  debase  my  heav'nly  birth? 
Why  should  I  cleave  to  things  below, 
And  let  my  God,  my  Father,  go  % 

3  Call  me  away  from  flesh  and  sense ; 
Thy  gracious  word  can  draw  me  thence. 
I  would  obey  the  voice  divine, 

And  all  inferior  joys  resign. 

4  Be  earth,  with  all  her  cares,  withdrawn; 
Let  noise  and  vanity  be  gone : 

In  secret  silence  of  the  mind, 

My  heav'n,  and  there  rny  God,  I  find. 


personal  duties.  229 

Hymn  336.  l.  m. 

1  II  ETURN,  my  roving  heart,  return, 

JtV  And  chase  these  shadowy  forms  no  more; 
Seek  out  some  solitude  to  mourn, 
And  thy  forsaken  God  implore. 

2  Wisdom  and  pleasure  dwell  at  home ; 

Retir'd  and  silent  seek  them  there  : 
This  is  the  way  to  overcome, 

The  way  to  break  the  tempter's  snare. 

3  And  thou,  my  God,  whose  piercing  eye 

Distinct  surveys  each  deep  recess, 
In  these  abstracted  hours  draw  nigh, 
And  with  thy  presence  fill  the  place. 

4  Through  all  the  mazes  of  my  heart, 

My  search  let  heav'nly  wisdom  guide ; 
And  still  its  radiant  beams  impart, 
Till  all  be  search' d  and  purified. 

5  Then  with  the  visits  of  thy  love 

Vouchsafe  my  inmost  soul  to  cheer ; 
Till  ev'ry  grace  shall  join  to  prove, 
That  God  hath  fix'd  his  dwelling  there. 


XXI 

SOCIAL    DUTIES. 


Hymn  337.  l.  m. 

IF  high  or  low  our  station  be, 
Of  noble  or  ignoble  name; 
By  uncorrupted  honesty, 

Thy  blessing,  Lord,  we'll  humbly  claim, 


230  SOCIAL    DUTIES. 

2  Enrich' d  with  that,  no  want  we'll  fear, 

Thy  providence  shall  be  our  trust. 
Thou  wilt  supply  our  portion  here, 
Thou  friend  and  guardian  of  the  just ! 

3  Oh !  may  we,  with  sincere  delight, 

To  all  the  task  of  duty  pay; 
Tender  of  ev'ry  social  right, 
Obedient  to  thy  lawful  sway  ! 

4  Such  virtue  thou  wilt  not  forget 

In  that  blest  world,  where  virtue  shares 
A  fit  reward ;  though  not  of  debt, 

But  what  thy  boundless  grace  prepares. 

Hymn  338.  c.  m. 

1  /^  OME,  let  us  search  our  ways  and  try ; 
Vy   Have  they  been  just  and  right? 

Is  the  great  rule  of  equity 
Our  practice  and  delight  ? 

2  What  we  would  have  our  neighbour  do, 

Have  we  still  done  the  same  ? 

From  others  ne'er  withheld  the  due, 

Which  we  from  others  claim  ? 

3  Have  we  ne'er  envied  others'  good, 

Nor  envied  others'  praise? 
In  no  man's  path  malignant  stood, 
Nor  us'd  detraction's  ways? 

4  Have  we  not,  deaf  to  his  request, 

Turn'd  from  another's  wo? 
The  scorn,  which  wrings  the  suff'rer's  breast, 
Have  we  abhorr'd  to  shew? 

5  Then  may  we  raise  our  modest  pray'r 

To  God,  the  just  and  kind ; 
May  humbly  cast  on  him  our  care, 
And  hope  his  grace  to  find. 


SOCIAL    DUTIES.  231 

6  Religion's  path  they  never  trod, 
Who  equity  contemn; 
Nor  ever  are  they  just  to  God, 
Who  prove  unjust  to  men. 

Hymn  339.  l.  m. 

1  S~\   GOD,  my  Saviour,  and  my  King, 
V>F   Of  all  I  have  or  hope  the  spring ! 
Send  down  thy  Spirit  from  above, 
And  warm  my  heart  with  holy  love. 

2  May  I  from  ev'ry  act  abstain, 
That  gives  another  grief  or  pain : 
Still  may  I  feel  my  heart  inclin'd, 
To  be  the  friend  of  all  mankind. 

3  With  pity  let  my  breast  o'erflow, 
When  I  behold  a  brother's  wo ; 
And  bear  a  sympathizing  part, 
Whene'er  I  meet  a  wounded  heart. 

4  And  let  my  neighbour's  prosp'rous  state 
A  mutual  joy  in  me  create ; 

His  virtuous  triumph  let  me  join ; 
His  peace  and  happiness  be  mine. 

5  Yea,  though  my  neighbour's  hate  I  prove, 
Still  let  me  vanquish  hate  with  love; 
Slow  to  resent,  though  -he  would  grieve, 
But  always  ready  to  forgive. 

6  Let  love  through  all  my  conduct  shine, 
An  image  fair,  though  faint,  of  thine; 
Let  me  thy  humble  fol'wer  prove, 
Father  of  men,  great  God  of  love  ! 


L 


Hymn  340.  c.  m. 

ET  Pharisees  of  high  esteem 
Their  faith  and  zeal  declare  : 


232  SOCIAL    DUTIES. 

All  their  religion  is  a  dream, 
If  love  be  wanting  there. 

2  Love  suffers  long  with  patient  eye, 

Nor  is  provok:d  in  haste; 

She  lets  the  present  inj'ry  die, 

And  long  forgets  the  past. 

3  Malice  and  rage,  those  fires  of  hell, 

She  quenches  with  her  tongue ; 

Hopes  and  believes  and  thinks  no  ill, 

Though  she  endures  the  wrong. 

4  She  ne'er  desires  nor  seeks  to  know 

The  scandals  of  the  time ; 
Nor  looks  with  pride  on  those  below, 
Nor  envies  those  that  climb. 

5  She  lays  her  own  advantage  by, 

To  seek  her  neighbour's  good. 
So  God's  own  Son  came  down  to  die, 
And  save  us  by  his  blood. 

6  Love  is  the  grace  that  keeps  her  pow'r 

In  all  the  realms  above ; 
There  faith  and  hope  are  known  no  more, 
But  saints  for  ever  love. 

Hymn  341.  l.  m. 

1  T>  LEST  is  the  man,  whose  heart  is  kind 
Jt>   And  melts  with  pity  to  the  poor; 
Who,  with  a  sympathizing  mind, 

Feels  what  his  fellow-men  endure. 

2  His  heart  contrives  for  their  relief 

More  good  than  his  own  hands  can  do ; 
He  in  the  time  of  gen'ral  grief 
Shall  find,  the  Lord  hath  pity  too. 


SOCIAL    DUTIES.  233 

3  This  man  shall  live  secure  on  earth, 

With  secret  blessings  on  his  head; 
Though  sword,  or  pestilence,  or  dearth, 
Around  him  multiply  their  dead. 

4  Or,  if  with  mortal  stiff' rings  try'd, 

Suff  rings  shall  all  his  soul  refine; 
Sweet  hope  his  refuge  shall  provide, 
And  minister  a  bliss  divine. 

Hymn  342.  p.  m.  7s. 

1  T^  ATHER  of  our  feeble  race, 
Jl  Wise,  beneficent,  and  kind  ! 
Spread  o'er  nature's  ample  face, 

Flows  thy  goodness  unconfin'd. 
Musing  in  the  silent  grove, 

Or  the  busy  Walks  of  men, 
Still  we  trace  thy  wond'rous  love, 

Claiming  large  returns  again. 

2  Lord,  what  off' rings  shall  we  bring, 

At  thine  altars  when  we  bow  ? 
Hearts,  the  pure  unsullied  spring, 

Whence  the  kind  affections  flow ; 
Soft  compassion's  feeling  soul, 

By  the  melting  eye  express' d; 
Sympathy,  at  whose  control 

Sorrow  leaves  the  torturd  breast; 

3  Willing  hands  to  lead  the  blind, 

Bind  the  wound,  or  feed  the  poor; 
Love,  embracing  all  our  kind ; 

Charity,  with  lib' ral  store. 
Teach  us,  O  thou  heav'nly  King, 

Thus  to  show  our  grateful  mind ; 
Thus  th'  accepted  off  ring  bring, 

Love  to  thee  and  all  mankind. 


234  SOCIAL    DUTIES. 

Hymn  343.  c.  m. 

1  T>  RIGHT  source  of  everlasting  love ; 
JD   To  thee  our  souls  we  raise ; 

And  to  thy  matchless  bounty  rear 
A  monument  of  praise. 

2  Thy  mercy  gilds  the  path  of  life 

With  ev'ry  cheering  ray; 

Kindly  restrains  the  rising  tear, 

Or  wipes  that  tear  away. 

3  When,  sunk  in  guilt,  our  race  approach'd 

The  borders  of  despair ; 
Thy  grace  through  Jesus'  blood  proclaim'd 
A  free  salvation  near. 

4  What  shall  we  render,  bounteous  Lord, 

For  all  the  grace  we  see? 
Alas !  the  goodness  worms  can  yield 
Extend eth  not  to  thee. 

5  To  tents  of  wo,  to  beds  of  pain, 

Our  cheerful  feet  repair ; 
And,  with  the  gifts  thy  hand  bestows, 
Relieve  the  mourners  there. 

6  The  widow's  heart  shall  sing  for  joy ; 

The  orphan  shall  be  glad; 
And  hung' ring  souls  we'll  gladly  point 
To  Christ,  the  living  bread. 

7  Thus,  passing  through  this  vale  of  tears, 

Our  useful  light  shall  shine ; 
And  others  learn  to  glorify 
Our  Father's  name  divine. 


o 


Hymn  344.  l.  m. 

WHAT  stupendous  mercy  shines 
Around  the  majesty  of  heav'n ! 


SOCIAL    DUTIES.  235 

Rebels  he  deigns  to  call  his  sons, 

Their  souls  renew'd,  their  sins  forgiv'n. 
2  Go,  imitate  the  grace  divine, 

The  grace  that  blazes  like  a  sun : 
Hold  forth  your  fair,  though  feeble  light, 
Through  all  your  lives  let  mercy  run. 
I  Upon  your  bounty's  willing  wings, 
Swift  let  the  needed  blessings  fly ; 
The  hungry  feed,  the  naked  clothe, 
To  pain  and  sickness  help  apply. 
[  Pity  the  weeping  widows  wo, 

And  be  her  counsellor  and  stay; 
Adopt  the  fatherless,  and  smooth 
To  useful,  happy  life  his  way. 
i  Lepage  with  want  and  weakness  bow'd 
Your  mercy  and  compassion  move ; 
Let  e;en  your  enemies  be  bless" d, 
Their  hatred  recompensd  with  love. 

Hymn  345.  l.  m, 

GREAT  God  !  whilst  I  thy  love  admire, 
Grant  me  to  catch  the  sacred  fire : 
Thus  shall  my  heav'nly  birth  be  known, 
And  as  thy  child  thou  wilt  me  own. 

Father,  I  see  thy  sun  arise. 
To  cheer  thy  friends  and  enemies  ; 
And  when  from  heav'n  thy  rain  descends, 
Thy  bounty  both  alike  befriends. 
Enlarge  my  soul  with  love  like  thine ; 
My  mortal  pow'rs  by  grace  refine : 
So  shall  I  feel  another's  wo, 
And  freely  feed  a  hungry  foe. 
I  hope  for  pardon,  through  thy  Son, 
For  all  the  crimes  which  I  have  done  : 
21 


236  SOCIAL    DUTIES. 

Then  may  the  grace,  that  pardons  me, 
Constrain  me  to  forgive  like  thee. 

Hymn  346.  s.  m. 

1  TJEHOLD,  where,  breathing  love, 
JL#   Our  dying  Master  stands  ! 

His  weeping  fol'wers  gath'ring  round, 
Receive  his  last  commands. 

2  From  that  mild  Saviour's  lips 

What  tender  accents  fell ! 
The  gentle  precept,  which  he  gave, 
Became  its  author  well. 

3  Blest  is  the  man,  whose  heart 

Feels  all  another's  pain; 

To  whom  the  supplicating  eye 

Was  never  rais'd  in  vain ; 

4  Whose  breast  expands  with  warmth, 

A  stranger's  wo  to  feel, 
And  bleeds  in  pity  o'er  the  wound 
He  wants  the  pow'r  to  heal. 

5  To  offices  of  love 

His  feet  are  never  slow ; 
He  views  through  mercy's  melting  eye 
A  brother  in  a  foe. 

6  Peace  from  his  Father  God, 

My  peace  to  him  I  give ; 
And,  when  he  kneels  before  the  throne, 
His  trembling  soul  shall  live. 

7  To  him  shall  grace  be  shewn; 

And  mercy  from  above 
Descend  on  those,  who  thus  fulfil 
The  perfect  law  of  love. 


SOCIAL    DUTIES.  Z$fJ 

Hymn  347.  c.  M. 

1  TTWAUGHTERS  of  pity,  tune  the  lay; 
_Lr    To  mourners  joy  belongs ; 

While  he,  that  wipes  all  tears  away, 
Accepts  our  thankful  songs. 

2  No  altars  smoke,  no  off' rings  bleed, 

No  guiltless  lives  expire ; 
To  help  a  brother  in  his  need, 
Is  all  our  rites  require. 

3  Our  off  ring  is  a  willing  mind 

To  comfort  the  distress' d ; 
In  others'  good  our  own  we  find, 
In  others'  blessing  bless'd. 

4  Go  to  the  pillow  of  disease, 

Where  night  gives  no  repose, 
And  on  the  cheek,  where  sickness  preys, 
Bid  health  to  plant  a  rose. 

5  Go  where  the  friendless  stranger  lies; 

To  perish  is  his  doom : 
Snatch  from  the  grave  his  closing  eyes, 
And  bring  his  blessing  home. 

6  Thus,  what  our  heav'nly  Father  gave, 

Shall  we  as  freely  give  ; 
Thus  copy  him,  who  liv'd  to  save, 
And  died  that  we  might  live. 


*&* 


Hymn  348.  c.  m. 

Charity  or  Sunday  school. 

1     II  LEST  is  the  man  whose  heart  expands 
_I3   At  melting  pity's  call, 
And  the  rich  blessings  of  whose  hands 
Like  heav'nly  manna  fall. 


238  SOCIAL    DUTIES. 

2  Be  ours  the  bliss  in  wisdom's  way 

To  guide  untutor'd  youth, 
And  lead  the  mind  that  went  astray 
To  virtue  and  to  truth. 

3  Children  our  kind  protection  claim ; 

And  God  will  well  approve, 
When  infants  learn  to  lisp  his  name, 
And  their  Creator  love. 

4  Delightful  work,  young  souls  to  win, 

And  turn  the  rising  race 
From  the  deceitful  paths  of  sin, 
To  seek  redeeming  grace  ! 

5  Almighty  God !  thine  influence  shed, 

To  aid  this  good  design : 
The  honours  of  thy  name  be  spread, 
And  all  the  glory  thine. 

Hymn  349.  l.  m. 

Candour  and  Toleration. 

1  \  LL-seeing  God !  'tis  thine  to  know 

f\    The  springs  whence  wrong  opinions  flow ; 
To  judge,  from  principles  within, 
When  frailty  errs,  and  when  we  sin. 

2  Who  among  men,  great  Lord  of  all ! 
Thy  servant  to  his  bar  shall  call  ? 
Judge  him,  for  modes  of  faith,  thy  foe, 
And  doom  him  to  the  realms  of  wo  ? 

3  Who  with  another's  eye  can  read? 
Or  worship  by  another's  creed? 
Trusting  thy  grace,  we  form  our  own, 
And  bow  to  thy  commands  alone. 

4  If  wrong,  correct ;  accept,  if  right ; 
While  faithful  we  improve  our  light, 
Condemning  none,  but  zealous  still 
To  learn  and  follow  all  thy  will. 


social  duties.  239 

Hymn  350.  l.  m. 

1  \  BSURD  and  vain  attempt !  to  bind 
j\.  With  iron  chains  the  free-born  mind, 
To  force  conviction,  and  reclaim 

The  wand' ring  by  destructive  flame. 

2  Bold  arrogance  !  to  snatch  from  heav'n 
Dominion  not  to  mortals  giv'n; 

O'er  conscience  to  usurp  the  throne, 
Accountable  to  God  alone. 

3  Jesus !  thy  gentle  law  of  love 
Does  no  such  cruelties  approve ; 
Mild  as  thyself  thy  doctrine  wields 
No  arms  but  what  persuasion  yields. 

4  By  proofs  divine,  and  reason  strong, 
It  draws  the  willing  soul  along ; 

And  conquests  to  thy  church  acquires 
By  eloquence  which  heav:n  inspires. 

5  O  happy,  who  are  thus  compell'd 
To  the  rich  feast,  by  Jesus  held ! 
May  we  this  blessing  know,  and  prize 
The  light  which  liberty  supplies. 

Hymn  351.  s.  m. 

Christian  Unity. 


L 


ET  party-names  no  more 
The  Christian  world  o'erspread 
Gentile  and  Jew,  and  bond  and  free, 
Are  one  in  Christ  their  head. 

Among  the  saints  on  earth 
Let  mutual  love  be  found : 

Heirs  of  the  same  inheritance, 
With  mutual  blessings  crown'd. 
21* 


240  SOCIAL    DUTIES. 

3  Let  envy,  child  of  hell ! 

Be  banish' d  far  away  : 
Those  should  in  strictest  friendship,  dwell, 
Who  the  same  Lord  obey. 

4  Thus  will  the  church  below 

Resemble  that  above, 
Where  streams  of  pleasure  ever  flow, 
And  ev'ry  heart  is  love. 

Hymn  352.  s.  m. 

1  T>LEST  be  the  tie,  that  binds 
J3   Our  hearts  in  Christian  love  ! 
The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 

Is  like  to  that  above. 

2  Before  our  Father's  throne, 

We  pour  our  ardent  pray'rs : 
Our  fears,  our  hopes,  our  aims  are  one, 
Our  comforts  and  our  cares. 

3  We  share  our  mutual  woes, 

Our  mutual  burdens  bear ; 
And  often  for  each  other  flows 
The  sympathizing  tear. 

4  When  we  asunder  part, 

It  gives  us  inward  pain : 
But  we  shall  still  be  join'd  in  heart, 
And  hope  to  meet  again. 

5  From  sorrow,  toil,  and  pain, 

And  sin,  we  shall  be  free ; 
And  perfect  love  and  friendship  reign 
Through  all  eternity. 

Hymn  353.  c.  m. 

Virtuous  Love  of  Country. 

1  T>ARENT  of  all,  Omnipotent 
JL     In  heav'n,  and  earth  below  ! 


SOCIAL    DUTIES.  241 

Through  all  creation's  vast  extent, 
Whose  streams  of  goodness  flow : 

2  Teach  me  to  know,  from  whence  I  rose, 

And  unto  whatMesign'd ; 
Nor  selfish  aims  may  I  propose, 
Since  link'd  with  human  kind. 

3  But  chief  to  hear  my  country's  voice 

May  my  best  thoughts  incline  : 
'Tis  reason's  law,  'tis  virtue's  choice, 
'Tis  nature's  call,  and  thine. 

4  Me  from  fair  freedom's  sacred  cause 

May  nothing  e'er  divide  ; 
Nor  grandeur,  gold,  nor  vain  applause, 
Nor  friendship  false  misguide. 

5  To  duty,  honour,  virtue  true, 

In  all  my  country's  weal, 
Let  me  my  public  walk  pursue : 
So,  God,  thy  favour  deal ! 

Hymn  354.  l.  m. 

Pious  Friendship. 

1  TTOW  blest  the  sacred  tie,  that  binds 
X 1  In  union  sweet,  according  minds  ! 
How  swift  the  heav'nly  course  they  run, 
Whose  hearts,  whose  faith,  whose  hopes  are  one '. 

2  To  each,  the  soul  of  each  how  dear ! 
What  watchful  love,  what  holy  fear ! 
How  doth  the  gen'rous  flame  within 
Refine  from  earth,  and  cleanse  from  sin ! 

3  Their  streaming  eyes  together  flow 
For  human  guilt  and  mortal  wo ; 
Their  ardent  pray'rs  together  rise, 
Like  mingling  flames  in  sacrifice. 


242  SOCIAL    DUTIES. 

4  Together  both  they  seek  the  place, 
Where  God  reveals  his  awful  face ; 

How  high,  how  strong,  their  raptures  swell, 
There's  none  but  kindred  souls  can  tell. 

5  Nor  shall  the  glowing  flame  expire 
'Midst  nature's  drooping,  sick'ning  fire  : 
Soon  shall  they  meet  in  realms  above, 
A  heav'n  of  joy,  because  of  love. 

Hymn  355.  l.  m. 

Family  Duties. 

1  lil  ATHER  of  men !  thy  care  we  bless, 
S-      Which  crowns  our  families  with  peace. 
From  thee  they  spring,  and  by  thy  hand 
They  have  been  and  are  still  sustain' d. 

2  To  God,  most  worthy  to  be  prais'd, 
Be  our  domestic  altars  rais'd  : 

Who,  Lord  of  heav'n,  scorns  not  to  dwell 
With  saints  in  their  obscurest  cell. 

3  To  thee  let  each  united  house, 
Morning  and  night,  present  its  vows; 
Our  servants  there,  and  rising  race, 
Be  taught  thy  precepts  and  thy  grace. 

4  O  may  each  future  age  proclaim 
The  honours  of  thy  glorious  name ; 
While,  pleas' d  and  thankful,  we  remove 
To  join  the  family  above. 


Hymn  356.  c.  m. 

F  justice  and  of  truth  I  sing, 
And  pay  to  God  my  vows  : 
With  truth  and  justice,  heav'nly  King! 
Teach  me  to  rule  my  house. 


o 


b> 


SOCIAL    DUTIES.  243 

2  Now  to  my  tent,  O  God  !  be  near, 

And  make  thy  servant  wise; 
And  let  me  suffer  nothing  there, 
That  shall  offend  thine  eyes. 

3  The  man  who  doth  his  neighbour  wrong, 

Or  dares  oppress  the  poor, 
The  scornful  eye,  the  sland'rous  tongue, 
Be  distant  from  my  door. 

4  Still  may  I  seek  the  good  and  just, 

And  still  their  help  enjoy; 
Such  be  the  friends  that  I  shall  trust, 
The  servants  I  employ. 

5  While  sin  in  others  I  reprove, 

Be  ev'ry  virtue  mine; 
And  let  the  wisdom  from  above 
Through  all  my  conduct  shine. 

6  Who  shall  the  most  in  love  abound, 

Our  sole  contention  be  : 
So  shall  my  house  be  ever  found 
A  dwelling  dear  to  thee  ! 

Hymn  357.  s.  m. 

110,  what  a  pleasing  sight 
A— A   Are  brethren  that  agree  ! 
How  blest  are  all,  whose  hearts  unite 
In  bonds  of  piety  ! 

2  From  those  celestial  springs, 

Such  streams  of  comfort  flow, 
As  no  increase  of  riches  brings, 
Nor  honours  can  bestow. 

3  All  in  their  stations  move, 

And  each  performs  his  part, 
In  all  the  cares  of  life  and  love, 
With  sympathizing  heart. 


244  PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

4  Form'd  for  the  purest  joys, 

By  one  desire  possess' d, 
One  aim  the  zeal  of  all  employs, 
To  make  each  other  blest. 

5  No  bliss  can  equal  theirs, 

Where  such  affections  meet; 
While  praise  devout,  and  mingled  pray'rs 
Make  their  communion  sweet. 

6  'Tis  the  same  pleasure  fills 

The  breast  in  worlds  above ; 
Where  joy  like  morning-dew  distils, 
And  all  the  air  is  love. 


XXII. 

PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 


Hymn  358.  c.  m. 

1  TTOW  did  my  heart  rejoice,  to  hear 
JTX  My  friends  devoutly  say : 

"  In  Zion  let  us  all  appear, 
And  keep  the  solemn  day." 

2  I  love  her  gates,  I  love  the  road : 

The  church,  adorn' d  with  grace, 
Stands  like  a  palace  built  for  God, 
To  show  his  milder  face. 

3  Peace  be  within  this  sacred  place, 

And  joy  a  constant  guest ! 
With  holy  gifts  and  heav'nly  grace 
Be  her  attendants  blest ! 


PUBLIC    WORSHIP.  245 

My  soul  shall  pray  for  Zion  still, 

While  life  or  breath  remains. 
There  my  best  friends,  my  kindred  dwell  j 

There  God,  my  Saviour,  reigns. 

Hymn  359.  s.  m. 

1  X  LOVE  thy  Zion,  Lord ! 

A.  The  house  of  thine  abode ; 
The  church,  O  blest  Redeemer !  sav'd 
With  thine  own  precious  blood. 

2  I  love  thy  church,  O  God ! 

Her  walls  before  thee  stand, 
Dear  as  the  apple  of  thine  eye, 
And  graven  on  thy  hand. 

3  If  e'er  to  bless  thy  sons 

My  voice  or  hands  deny  : 
These  hands  let  useful  skill  forsake, 
This  voice  in  silence  die. 

4  If  e'er  my  heart  forget 

Her  welfare  or  her  wo  : 
Let  ev'ry  joy  this  heart  forsake, 
And  ev'ry  grief  o  erflow. 

6  For  her  my  tears  shall  fall ; 
For  her  my  pray'rs  ascend; 
To  her  my.  cares  and  toils  be  giv'n, 
'Till  toils  and  cares  shall  end. 

6  Beyond  my  highest  joy 

I  prize  her  heav'nly  ways, 
Her  sweet  communion,  solemn  vows, 
Her  hymns  of  love  and  praise. 


Hymn  360.  c.  m. 

5,  ye  saints,  to  praise  j 
Your  sweetest  passions  raise 


1     \  WAKE,  ye  saints,  to  praise  your  King, 
II.  Your  sweetest  passions  raise ; 


246  PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

Your  pious  pleasures,  while  you  sing, 
Increasing  with  the  praise. 

2  Great  is  the  Lord,  and  works  unknown 

Are  his  divine  employ : 
But  still  his  saints'  are  near  his  throne, 
His  treasure  and  his  joy. 

3  O  Zion,  trust  the  living  God ; 

Serve  him  with  faith  and  fear : 

He  makes  thy  courts  his  blest  abode, 

And  claims  thine  honours  here. 


'C 


Hymn  361.  l.  m. 

OME,  let  our  voices  join  to  raise 
A  sacred  song  of  solemn  praise. 
God  is  a  so v' reign  King:  rehearse 
His  honours  in  exalted  verse. 

2  Come,  let  our  souls  address  the  Lord, 
Who  fram'd  our  natures  with  his  word. 
He  is  the  Shepherd ;  we  the  sheep 

His  mercy  chose,   his  pastures  keep. 

3  Seize  the  kind  promise,  while  it  waits, 
And  march  to  Zion's  heav'nly  gates. 
Believe,  and  take  the  promis'd  rest; 
Obey,  and  be  forever  blest. 

Hymn  362.  l.  m. 

1  TjfAPPY  the  men,  whom  strength  divine 
Jll  With  ardent  love  and  zeal  inspires ! 
Whose  steps  to  thy  blest  way  incline, 

With  willing  hearts  and  warm  desires. 

2  One  day  within  thy  sacred  gate 

Affords  more  real  joy  to  me, 
Than  thousands  in  the  tents  of  state ; 
The  meanest  place  is  bliss  with  thee. 


PUBLIC    WORSHIP.  247 

God  is  a  sun :  our  brightest  day 

From  his  reviving  presence  flows. 
God  is  a  shield,  through  all  the  way, 

To  guard  us  from  surrounding  foes. 

0  Lord  of  hosts,  thou  God  of  grace ! 
How  blest,  divinely  blest  is  he, 

Who  trusts  thy  love,  and  seeks  thy  face, 
And  fixes  all  his  hopes  on  thee ! 

Hymn  363.  p.  m. 

1  T    ORD  of  the  worlds  above, 

I   i    How  pleasant  and  how  fair, 
The  dwellings  of  thy  love, 
Thine  earthly  temples  are ! 
To  thine  abode 
My  heart  aspires, 
With  warm  desires 
To  see  my  God. 

2  O  happy  souls  that  pray 

Where  God  appoints  to  hear ! 
O  happy  men  that  pay 

Their  constant  service  there  ! 
They  praise  thee  still ; 
And  happy  they, 
Who  love  the  way 
To  Zion's  hill. 

3  They  go  from  strength  to  strength, 

Through  this  dark  vale  of  tears; 
Till  each  arrives  at  length, 
Till  each  in  heav'n  appears; 
0  glorious  seat, 
When  God  our  King 
Shall  thither  bring 
Our  willing  feet ! 
22 


248  PUBLIC    WORSHIP, 

Hymn  364  p.  m. 

1  f^i  REAT  Father  of  mankind ! 
\JT  We  bless  that  wondrous  grace, 
Which  could  for  Gentiles  find 

Within  thy  courts  a  place. 

How  kind  the  care 
Our  God  displays, 
For  us  to  raise 

A  house  of  pray'r! 

2  To  thee  ourselves  we  join, 

And  love  thy  sacred  name ; 
No  more  our  own,  but  thine, 
We  triumph  in  thy  claim. 
Our  Father-king, 
Thy  cov'nant-grace 
Our  souls  embrace, 
Thy  titles  sing. 

3  May  all  the  nations  throng 

To  worship  in  thy  house ; 
And  thou  attend  the  song, 
And  smile  upon  their  vows, 
Indulgent  still, 
Till  earth  conspire 
To  join  the  choir 
On  Zion's  hill. 

Hymn  365.  c.  m. 

1  r  I  lHE  Lord  in  Zion  plac'd  his  name, 

JL     His  ark  was  settled  there; 
To  Zion  the  whole  nation  came 
To  worship  thrice  a  year. 

2  But  we  have  no  such  lengths  to  go, 

Nor  wander  far  abroad; 
Where'er  thy  saints  assemble  now, 
There  in  a  house  for  God. 


itblic  worship.  249 

3  Here,  mighty  God  !  accept  our  vows; 

Here  let  thy  praise  be  spread. 
Bless  the  provisions  of  thy  house, 
And  fill  thy  poor  with  bread. 

4  Here  let  the  son  of  David  reign, 

Let  Gods  anointed  shine ; 
Justice  and  truth  his  court  maintain, 
With  love  and  pow'r  divine. 

Hymn  366.  l.  m. 

1  "  '    ORD  !  'tis  a  pleasant  thing,  to  stand 

I   J    In  gardens  planted  by  thy  hand. 
Let  me  within  thy  courts  be  seen, 
Like  a  young  cedar,  fresh  and  green. 

2  There  grow  thy  saints  in  faith  and  love, 
Blest  with  thine  influ'nee  from  above : 
Not  Lebanon,  with  all  its  trees, 
Yields  such  a  comely  sight  as  these. 

3  The  plants  of  grace  shall  ever  live ; 
Nature  decays,  but  grace  must  thrive; 
Time,  that  doth  all  things  else  impair, 
Shall  make  them  flourish  strong  and  fair. 

4  Laden  with  fruits  of  age,  they  show, 
The  Lord  is  holy,  just,  and  true. 
None,  that  attend  his  courts  shall  find 
A  God  unfaithful  or  unkind. 

Hymn  367.  c.  h. 

1  "VITHEREWITH  shall  I  approach  the  Lord, 

T  T      And  bow  before  his  throne  % 
Oh  !  how  procure  his  kind  regard, 
And  for  my  guilt  atone  : 

2  Shall  altars  flame,  and  victims  bleed, 

And  spicy  fumes  ascend  ? 


250  PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

Will  these  my  earnest  wish  succeed, 
And  make  my  God  my  friend  ? 

3  O  no,  my  soul !  'twere  fruitless  all ; 

Such  offerings  are  vain : 
No  fatlings  from  the  field  or  stall 
His  favour  can  obtain. 

4  To  men  their  rights  I  must  allow, 

And  proofs  of  kindness  give ; 
To  God  with  humble  rev'rence  bow, 
And  to  his  glory  live. 

5  Hands  that  are  clean,  and  hearts  sincere, 

He  never  will  despise ; 
And  cheerful  duty  he'll  prefer 
To  costly  sacrifice. 

Hymn  368.  s.  m. 

1  "1T1JTITH  joy  we  lift  our  eyes 

v  f      To  those  bright  realms  above, 
That  glorious  temple  in  the  skies, 
Where  dwells  eternal  love. 

2  Thee  we  adore,  O  Lord ! 

And  filial  duty  pay. 
Thy  service,  unconstrain'd  and  free, 
Conducts  to  endless  day. 

3  While  in  thy  house  we  kneel 

With  trust  and  holy  fear ; 
Thy  mercy  and  thy  truth  reveal, 
And  lend  a  gracious  ear. 

4  O  teach  our  hearts  to  pray, 

And  tune  our  lips  to  sing ! 
Nor  from  thy  presence  cast  away 
The  sacrifice  we  bring. 


public  worship.  251 

Hymn  369.  l.  m. 

1  4    WAY  from  ev'ry  mortal  care, 
_l\-  Away  from  earth,  our  souls  retreat; 
We  leave  this  worthless  world  afar, 

And  wait  and  worship  near  thy  seat. 

2  Lord,  in  the  temple  of  thy  grace, 

We  bow  before  thee  and  adore; 
We  view  the  glories  of  thy  face, 

And  learn  the  wonders  of  thy  pow'r. 

3  Whilst  here  our  various  wants  we  mourn, 

United  pray*rs  ascend  on  high; 
And  faith  expects  a  sure  return 
Of  blessings  in  variety. 

4  Father  !  my  soul  would  here  abide : 

Or,  if  my  feet  must  hence  depart, 
Still  keep  me,  Father,  near  thy  side, 
Still  keep  thy  dwelling  in  my  heart. 

Hymn  370.  c.  m. 

1  X^  ARLY,  my  God,  without  delay, 
JQi    I  haste  to  seek  thy  face ; 

My  thirsty  spirit  faints  away, 
Without  thy  cheering  grace. 

2  So  pilgrims  on  the  scorching  sand, 

Beneath  a  burning  sky, 
Long  for  a  cooling  stream  at  hand, 
And  they  must  drink  or  die. 

3  I've  seen  thy  glory  and  thy  pow'r 

Through  all  thy  temple  shine  : 
My  God,  repeat  that  heav'nly  hour, 
That  vision  so  divine. 

4  Not  all  the  blessings  of  a  feast 

Can  please  mv  soul  so  well, 
22* 


252  PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

As  when  thy  richer  grace  I  taste, 

And  in  thy  presence  dwell. 
5  Not  life  itself,  with  all  her  joys, 

Can  my  best  passions  move, 
Or  raise  so  high  my  cheerful  voice. 

As  thy  forgiving  love. 

Hymn  371.  p.  m.  ss&7s. 

1  T)  RAISE  to  God,  the  great  Creator, 
Jl     Bounteous  source  of  all  our  joy ! 
He  whose  hand  upholds  all  nature, 

He  whose  nod  can  all  destroy. 
Saints,  with  pious  zeal  attending, 

Now  the  grateful  tribute  raise ; 
Solemn  songs  to  heav'n  ascending, 

Join  the  universal  praise. 

2  Round  his  awful  footstool  kneeling, 

Lowly  bend  with  contrite  souls ; 
Here,  his  milder  grace  revealing, 

Here  his  wrath  no  thunder  rolls. 
Lo,  the  saCred  page  before  us 

Bears  the  cov'nant  of  his  love; 
Full  of  mercy  to  restore  us, 

Mercy  beaming  from  above. 

3  Ev'ry  secret  fault  confessing, 

Deed  unrighteous,  thought  of  sin, 
Seize,  O  seize  the  proffer' d  blessing, 

Grace  from  God  and  peace  within. 
Heart  and  voice  with  rapture  swelling* 

Still  the  song  of  glory  raise ; 
On  the  theme  immortal  dwelling, 

Join  the  universal  praise. 

Hymn  372.  l.  m. 

The  Lord's  Day. 
1     \  NOTHER  six  days'  work  is  done* 

jlJL  Another  Sabbath  is  begun  : 


PUBLIC    WORSHIP.  253 

Return,  my  soul,  enjoy  thy  rest, 
Improve  the  day  thy  God  has  blest. 

2  Come,  bless  the  Lord,  whose  love  assigns 
So  sweet  a  rest  to  weary ;d  minds; 
Provides  an  antepast  of  hcav'n, 

And  gives  this  day  the  food  of  sev'n. 

3  O  that  our  thoughts  and  thanks  may  rise, 
As  grateful  incense,  to  the  skies ; 

And  draw  from  heav:n  that  sweet  repose, 
Which  none,  but  he  who  feels  it,  knows. 

4  With  joy,  great  God  !  thy  works  we  view 
In  various  scenes  both  old  and  new ; 
With  praise  we  think  on  mercies  past, 
With  hope  we  future  pleasures  taste. 

5  In  holy  duties  let  the  day, 

In  holy  pleasures  pass  away. 

How  sweet,  a  sabbath  thus  to  spend, 

In  hope  of  one  that  ne'er  shall  end. 

Hymn  373.  l.  m. 

1  T    ORD  of  the  sabbath  !  hear  our  vows 
JL_J    On  this  thy  day,  in  this  thy  house ; 
And  own,  as  grateful  sacrifice, 

The  songs  which  from  thy  churches  rise. 

2  Thine  earthly  sabbaths,  Lord !  we  love  ; 
But  there's  a  nobler  rest  above. 

Thy  servants  to  that  rest  aspire 
With  ardent  hope  and  strong  desire. 

3  There  languor  shall  no  more  oppress : 
The  heart  shall  feel  no  more  distress ; 
No  groans  shall  mingle  with  the  songs, 
That  dwell  upon  immortal  tongues. 

4  No  gloomy  cares  shall  there  annoy, 
No  conscious  guilt  disturb  our  joy ; 


254  PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

But  ev'ry  doubt  and  fear  shall  cease, 
And  perfect  love  give  perfect  peace. 

5  When  shall  that  glorious  day  begin, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  death  or  sin ; 
Whose  sun  shall  nev,er  more  decline, 
But  with  unfading  lustre  shine ! 


Hybin  374.  c.  m. 

REQUENT  the  day  of  God  returns, 
To  shed  its  quick'ning  beams; 
And  yet  how  slow  devotion  burns  ! 
How  languid  are  its  flames  ! 


F 


2  Accept  our  faint  attempts  to  love ; 

Our  frailties,  Lord !  forgive. 
We  would  be  like  thy  saints  abova, 
And  praise  thee  while  we  live. 

3  Increase,  O  Lord !  our  faith  and  hope, 

And  fit  us  to  ascend 
Where  the  assembly  ne'er  breaks  up, 
The  sabbath  ne'er  shall  end ; 

4  Where  we  shall  breathe  in  heav'nly  air, 

With  heav'nly  lustre  shine ; 
Before  the  throne  of  God  appear. 
And  feast  on  love  divine. 

Hymn  375.  l.  m. 

1  OWEET  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King! 
k.5   To  praise  thy  name,  give  thanks,  and  sing  ; 
To  show  thy  love  by  morning  light, 

And  talk  of  all  thy  truth  at  night. 

2  Sweet  is  the  day  of  sacred  rest : 
No  mortal  care  shall  fill  my  breast ; 
My  heart  shall  triumph  in  the  Lord, 
And  bless  his  works,  and  bless  his  word. 


PUBLIC    WORSHIP.  255 

3  And  I  shall  share  a  glorious  part, 
When  grace  hath  well  refin'd  my  heart, 
When  doubts  and  fears  no  more  remain, 
To  break  my  inward  peace  again. 

4  Then  shall  I  see,  and  hear,  and  know, 
All  I  desir'd  or  wish'd  below ; 

And  ev'ry  pow'r  find  sweet  employ 
In  the  eternal  world  of  joy. 

Hymn  376.  c.  m. 

1  rri  HIS  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made ; 

JL     He  calls  the  hours  his  own. 
Let  heav'n  rejoice,  let  earth  be  glad, 
And  praise  surround  the  throne. 

2  To-day  arose  our  glorious  head, 

And  death's  dread  empire  fell, 
To-day  the  saints  his  triumph  spread, 
And  all  its  wonders  tell. 

3  Hosannah  !  the  anointed  King 

Ascends  his  destin'd  throne  : 
To  God  your  grateful  homage  bring, 
And  his  Messiah  own. 

4  Blest  be  the  Lord,  who  came  to  men 

With  messages  of  grace ; 
Who  came  in  God  his  Father's  name, 
To  save  our  sinful  race. 

5  Hosannah  in  the  highest  strains 

The  church  on  earth  can  raise ! 
The  highest  heav'ns,  in  which  he  reigns, 
Shall  give  him  nobler  praise. 


A 


Hymx\  377.  s.  m. 

GAIN  the  Lord  of  light 
Awakes  the  kindling  ray : 


256  PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 

Unseals  the  eyelids  of  the  morn, 
And  pours  increasing  day. 

2  O  what  a  night  was  that 

Which  wrapt  mankind  in  gloom ! 
O  what  a  sun,  which  broke  this  day 
Triumphant  from  the  tomb  ! 

3  This  day  be  homage  paid, 

And  loud  hosannahs  sung ; 
Let  gladness  dwell  in  ev'ry  heart, 
And  praise  on  ev'ry  tongue. 

4  Ten  thousand  lips  shall  join 

To  hail  this  welcome  morn, 
Which  scatters  blessings  from  its  wings 
To  nations  yet  unborn. 

Hymn  378.  cm. 

1  THI  AIL,  happy  morn  !  whose  early  ray 
JlJL  Beheld  the  Saviour  rise. 
Welcome  again,  auspicious  day  ! 

To  our  reviving  eyes. 

2  On  this  blest  morn,  birth-day  of  hope  ! 

Let  not  one  soul  be  sad. 
This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made, 
And  bids  his  saints  be  glad. 

3  Come,  and  the  wonders  of  the  day 

In  notes  harmonious  sing ; 
Tell  to  the  world  the  conquests  gain'd 
By  your  victorious  King. 

4  O  happy  souls,  that  feel  the  pow'r 

Of  his  attractive  love  ! 
With  him  they  die,  with  him  they  live, 
And  seek  the  things  above. 


L 


PUBLIC    WORSHIP.  •  257 

Hymn  379.  p.  m.  &  &  7». 

Close  of  the  Service. 
ORD,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing; 


Fill  our  hearts  with  joy  and  peace ! 
Let  us  each,  thy  love  possessing, 
Triumph  in  redeeming  grace. 
O  refresh  us, 
Traveling  through  this  wilderness. 

Thanks  we  give  and  adoration 

For  thy  gospels  joyful  sound. 
May  the  fruits  of  thy  salvation 
In  our  hearts  and  lives  abound ! 
May  thy  presence 
With  us  evermore  be  found ! 

Hymn  380.  p.  m.  7s. 

THANKS  for  mercies  past  receive ; 
Pardon  of  our  sins  renew ; 
Teach  us  henceforth  how  to  live, 
With  eternity  in  view. 

h'iess  thy  word  to  old  and  young ; 

Grant  us,  Lord  !  thy  peace  and  love ; 
And,  when  life's  short  course  is  run, 

Take  us  to  thy  house  above. 

Hymn  381.  l.  m. 

The  Christian  Farewell 

THY  presence,  everlasting  God  ! 
Wide  through  all  nature  spreads  abroad; 
Thy  watchful  eyes,  which  never  sleep, 
In  ev'ry  place  thy  children  keep. 

While  near  each  other  we  remain, 
Thou  dost  our  lives  and  pow'rs  sustain; 


258  BAPTISM. 

When  sep' rate,  we  rejoice  to  share 
Thy  counsels  and  thy  gracious  care. 

3  To  thee  we  now  commit  our  ways, 
And  still  implore  thy  heav'nly  grace 
Still  cause  thy  face  on  us  to  shine, 
And  guard  and  guide  us  still  as  thine. 

4  Give  us,  in  thy  beloved  house, 
Again  to  pay  our  grateful  vows ; 
Or,  if  that  joy  no  more  be  known, 
Give  us  to  meet  around  thy  throne. 


XXIII. 

BAPTISM. 


Hymn  382.  c.  m. 

Of  Adults. 

1  " T>ROCLAIM,"    said  Christ,  "God's  wan- 

XT  drous  grace 

To  all  the  sons  of  men : 
He  who  believes  and  is  baptis'd, 
Salvation  shall  obtain." 

2  Let  plenteous  grace  descend  on  those, 

Who,  hoping  in  his  word, 
This  day  have  publicly  declar'd, 
That  Jesus  is  their  Lord. 

3  With  cheerful  feet  may  they  go  on, 

And  run  the  Christian  race; 
And,  in  the  troubles  of  the  way, 
Find  all-sufficient  grace. 


BAPTISM.  259 

4  And  when  the  awful  message  comes, 
To  call  their  souls  away ; 
May  they  be  found  prepar'd  to  live 
In  realms  of  endless  day. 

Hymn  383.  s.  m. 

Baptism  of  Children. 

1  ORD  !  what  our  ears  have  heard, 
I   J    Our  eyes  delighted  trace, 

Thy  love  in  long  succession  shown 
To  ev'ry  virtuous  race. 

2  Our  children  thou  dost  claim, 

And  mark  them  out  for  thine : 
Ten  thousand  blessings  to  thy  name 
For  goodness  so  divine  ! 

3  Thy  cov'nant  may  they  keep, 

And  bless  the  happy  bands, 
Which  closer  still  engage  their  hearts 
To  honour  thy  commands. 

4  How  great  thy  mercies,  Lord ! 

How  plenteous  is  thy  grace, 
Which  in  the  promise  of  thy  love 
Includes  our  rising  race  ! 

5  Our  offspring,  still  thy  care, 

Shall  own  their  fathers'   God, 

To  latest  times  thy  blessings  share, 

And  sound  thy  praise  abroad. 

Hymn  384.  c.  m. 

1   ^EE  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stand, 
k3  With  all-engaging  charms ! 
Hark !  how  he  calls  the  tender  lambs^ 
And  takes  them  in  his  arms ! 
23 


260  BAPTISM. 

2  "  Permit  them  to  approach,  (he  cries) 

Nor  scorn  their  humble  name ; 

It  was  to  save  such  souls  as  these, 

With  pow'r  and  love  I  came." 

3  We  bring  them,  Lord,  with  grateful  hearts, 

And  yield  them  up  to  thee ; 
Rejoic'd  that  we  ourselves  are  thine, 
Thine  let  our  offspring  be  ! 

4  Thus  Lydia's  house  was  sanctified, 

When  she  receiv'd  the  word; 
Thus  the  believing  jailor  gave 
His  family  to  the  Lord. 

5  Ye  little  flock,  with  pleasure  hear, 

Ye  children,  seek  his  face ; 
And  fly  with  transport  to  receive 
The  gospel  of  his  grace. 

6  If  orphans  they  are  left  behind, 

Thy  care,  O  God !  we  trust ; 
And  let  thy  promise  cheer  our  hearts, 
If  weeping  o'er  their  dust. 

Hymn  385.  c.  m. 

Practical  Improvement  of  Baptism. 

1  \  TTEND,  ye  children  of  your  God, 
_ZjL  Ye  heirs  of  glory,  hear; 

Let  accents  so  divine  as  these 
Engage  th'  attentive  ear : — 

2  Baptis'd  into  your  Saviour's  death, 

Your  souls  to  sin  must  die ; 
With  Christ  your  Lord  ye  live  anew, 
With  Christ  ascend  on  high. 

3  Rise  from  these  earthly  trifles,  rise, 

On  wings  of  faith  and  love ; 
In  heav'n  your  choicest  treasure  lies, 
And  be  your  hearts  above. 


THE    LORD'S    SUPPER.  261 

XXIV 

THE    LORD'S     SUPPER. 


Hymn  386.  c.  m. 

1  /"~1  OME,  let  us  join  our  souls  to  God 
V_y    In  everlasting  bands ; 

And  seize  the  blessings  he  bestows, 
With  eager  hearts  and  hands. 

2  Come,  let  us  seal,  without  delay, 

The  cov'nant  of  his  grace: 
Xor  shall  the  years  of  distant  life 
Its  memory  efface. 

3  Thus  may  our  rising  offspring  haste 

To  seek  their  fathers1  God ; 
Xor  e'er  forsake  the  happy  path 
Their  youthful  feet  have  trod. 

Hymn  387.  l.  m. 

1  '  nn  WAS  on  that  dreadful,  doleful  night, 

_l_     When  the  whole  pow'r  of  darkness  rose 
Against  the  Son  of  God's  delight 
And  friends  betray'd  him  to  his  foes; 

2  Before  the  mournful  scene  began, 

He  took  the  bread,  and  bless' d,  and  brake : 
What  love  through  all  his  actions  ran ! 

What  wondrous  words  of  grace  he  spake ! 

3  1:This  is  my  body  broke  for  sin: 

Receive  and  eat  the  living  food." 
Then  took  the  cup  and  bless' d  the  wine : 
Tis  the  new  cov'nant  in  mv  blood." 


262  the  lord's  supper. 

4  "Do  this  (he  cried)  till  time  shall  end, 
In  mem'ry  of  your  dying  friend: 
Meet  at  my  table,  and  record 

The  love  of  your  departed  Lord." 

Hymn  388.  l.  m. 

1  "XT'  AT,  drink,  in  mem'ry  of  your  friend." 

til    Such  was  our  Master's  last  request; 
Who  all  the  pangs  of  death  endur'd, 
That  we  might  live  for  ever  blest. 

2  Yes,  we'll  record  thy  matchless  grace, 

Thou  dearest,  tend' rest,  best  of  friends ! 
Thy  dying  love  the  noblest  praise 
Of  long  eternity  transcends. 

3  5Tis  pleasure  more  than  earth  can  give, 

Thy  goodness  through  these  veils  to  see. 
Thy  table  food  celestial  yields ; 
And  happy  they,  who  sit  with  thee. 

4  But,  oh !  what  vast  transporting  joys 

Shall  fill  our  breasts,  our  tongues  inspire, 
When,  join'd  with  the  celestial  train, 
Our  grateful  souls  thy  love  admire ! 

Hymn  389.  l.  m. 

1  Til  HIS  feast  was  Jesus'  high  behest, 

JL     This  cup  of  thanks  his  last  request. 
Ye,  who  can  feel  his  worth,  attend : 
Eat,  drink,  in  mem'ry  of  your  friend. 

2  Around  the  patriot's  bust  ye  throng; 
Him  ye  exalt  in  swelling  song ; 
For  him  the  wreath  of  glory  bind, 
Who  freed  from  vassalage  his  kind. 

3  And  shall  not  he  your  praises  reap, 
Who  rescues  from  the  iron  sleep  ? 


nil-:   lord's  supper.  "Jfi:J 

The  great  Deliverer,  whose  breath 
Unbinds  the  captives  e'en  of  death? 

4  Shall  he,  who,  sinful  men  to  save, 
Became  a  tenant  of  the  grave, 
Unthank'd,  uncelebrated,  rise, 
Pass  unremember'd  to  the  skies? 

5  Christians  !  unite  with  loud  acclaim, 
To  hymn  the  Saviours  welcome  name. 
On  earth  extol  his  wondrous  love  ; 
Repeat  his  praise  in  worlds  above. 


Hymn  390.  s.  m. 


J 


To  meet  around  his  board  : 
Here  those  he  died  to  save  may  hold 
Communion  with  their  Lord. 

2  Our  heavnly  Father  calls 

Christ  and  his  members  one : 
We  are  the  children  of  his  love, 
And  he  the  first-born  Son. 

3  We  are  but  sev'ral  parts 

Of  the  same  broken  bread , 
One  body  with  its  sev'ral  limbs, 
But  Jesus  is  the  head. 

4  Let  all  our  pow'rs  be  join'd, 

His  glorious  name  to  raise : 

Pleasure  and  love  fill  ev'ry  mind, 

And  ev'ry  voice  be  praise  ! 


Hymn  391.  c.  m. 

E  folfwers  of  the  Prince  of  peace, 
Who  round  his  table  draw ! 
Remember  what  his  spirit  was. 
What  his  peculiar  law. 
23* 


]Y 


264  the  lord's  supper. 

2  The  love,  which  all  his  bosom  fill'd, 

Did  all  his  actions  guide : 
Inspir'd  by  love,  he  liv'd  and  taught; 
Inspir'd  by  love,  he  died. 

3  And  do  you  love  him?  do  you  feel 

Your  warm  affections  move  ? 
This  is  the  proof  which  he  demands, 
That  you  each  other  love. 

4  Let  each  the  sacred  law  fulfil ; 

Like  his  be  ev'ry  mind; 
Be  ev'ry  temper  form'd  by  love, 
And  ev'ry  action  kind. 

5  Let  none,  w]io  call  themselves  his  friends, 

Disgrace  the  honour' d  name; 
But  by  a  near  resemblance  prove 
The  title  which  they  claim. 

Hymn  392.  l.  m. 

1  TESUS  is  gone  above  the  skies, 

J    Where  our  weak  senses  reach  him  not 
And  carnal  objects  court  our  eyes, 

To  thrust  our  Saviour  from  our  thought. 

2  He  knows,  what  wand' ring  hearts  we  have, 

Apt  to  forget  his  lovely  face ; 
And,  to  refresh  our  minds,  he  gave 
These  kind  memorials  of  his  grace. 

3  Let  sinful  sweets  be  all  forgot, 

And  earth  grow  less  in  our  esteem ; 
Christ  and  his  love  fill  ev'ry  thought, 
And  faith  and  hope  be  fix'd  on  him. 

4  While  he  is  absent  from  our  sight, 

'Tis  to  prepare  our  souls  a  place; 
That  we  may  dwell  in  heav'nly  light, 
And  live  for  ever  near  his  face. 


THE  lord's  supper.  265 

Hymn  393.  l.  m. 

1  TTOW  rich  are  thy  provisions,  Lord. 
AJ-  Thy  table  furnish' d  from  above  ! 
The  fruits  of  life  o'erspread  the  board; 

The  cup  o'erflows  with  heav'nly  love. 

2  Thine  ancient  family,  the  Jews, 

Were  first  invited  to  the  feast : 
We  humbly  take  what  they  refuse, 
And  Gentiles  thy  salvation  taste. 

3  Let  the  vain  world  pronounce  its  shame, 

And  fling  their  scandals  on  thy  cause : 
We  come  to  boast  our  Saviours  name, 
And  make  our  triumphs  in  his  cross. 

4  With  joy  we  tell  the  scoffing  age  : 

He,  that  was  dead,  hath  left  the  tomb. 
He  lives  above  their  utmost  rage, 
And  we  are  waiting  till  he  come. 

Hymn  394.  l.  bit. 

1  "\7[7~E  praise  the  Lord  for  heav'nly  bread, 

▼  ▼      With  which  his  favour d  sons  are  fed; 
We  praise  thee  for  that  heav'nly  feast, 
Which  Jesus  with  delight  could  taste. 

2  He.  while  he  sojourn' d  here  below, 

Had  meat  which  strangers  could  not  know. 
That  meat  he  to  his  people  gives; 
And  he,  that  tastes  the  banquet,  lives. 

3  So  let  us  live,  sustain' d  by  grace, 
Regal"  d  with  fruits  of  righteousness. 
Enter  our  hearts,  all-gracious  Lord  ! 
And  sup  with  us,  and  deck  thy  board. 

4  Devotion,  faith,  and  zealous  love, 
And  hope  that  bears  the  soul  above  : 


266  the  lord's  supper. 

Be  these  our  dainties,  till  we  rise, 
And  taste  the  joys  of  paradise. 

Hymn  395.  l.  m. 

1  IVTY  God  !  and  is  thy  table  spread? 
J_T_L  And  does  thy  cup  with  love  o'erflow? 
Thither  be  all  thy  children  led, 

And  let  them  all  its  sweetness  know. 

2  O  let  thy  table  honour' d  be, 

And  furnish' d  well  with  joyful  guests  ; 
And  may  each  soul  salvation  see, 
That  here  its  sacred  pledges  tastes. 

3  Let  crowds  approach,  with  hearts  prepar'd  J 

With  warm  desire  let  all  attend ; 
Nor,  when  we  leave  our  Father's  board, 
The  pleasure  or  the  profit  end. 

4  Revive  thy  dying  churches,  Lord  ! 

And  bid  our  drooping  graces  live ; 
And  more  that  energy  afford, 

A  Saviour's  death  alone  can  give. 

5  Nor  let  thy  spreading  gospel  rest, 

Till  through  the  world  thy  truth  has  run, 
Till  with  this  bread  all  men  be  blest 
Who  see  the  light  or  feel  the  sun  ! 

Hymn  396.  c.  m. 

1  "  r  I  lHE  promise  of  my  Father's  love 

JL     Shall  stand  forever  good  :" 
He  said,  and  gave  his  soul  to  death, 
And  seal'd  the  grace  with  blood. 

2  To  this  dear  cov'nant  of  thy  word 

I  set  my  worthless  name ; 
I  seal  th'  engagement  to  my  Lord, 
And  make  my  humble  claim. 


MORNING.  267 

3  The  light,  and  strength,  and  pard'ning  grace, 

And  glory,  shall  be  mine ; 
My  life  and  soul,  my  heart  and  flesh, 
And  all  my  pow:rs  are  thine. 

4  Sweet  is  the  mem'ry  of  his  name, 

Who  bless' d  us  in  his  will, 
And  to  his  testament  of  love 
Made  his  own  life  the  seal. 

Hymn  397.  c.  if. 

1  T>ITY  the  nations,  O  our  God  ! 
jL  Constrain  the  earth  to  come. 
Send  thy  victorious  word  abroad, 

And  bring  the  strangers  home. 

2  We  long  to  see  thy  churches  full, 

That  all  thy  faithful  race 
May,  with  one  voice  and  heart  and  soul, 
Sing  thy  redeeming  grace. 


XXV 

PARTICULAR    OCCASIONS    AND    CIRCUM- 
STANCES. 


1.    MORNING. 

Hymn  398.  l.  m. 

1    TY/TY  God,  how  endless  is  thy  love ! 
J-TjL  Thy  gifts  are  ev'ry  ev'ning  new; 
And  morning  mercies  from  above 
Gently  descend  like  early  dew. 


268  MORNING. 

2  Thou  spread' st  the  curtains  of  the  night, 

Great  Guardian  of  my  sleeping  hours ! 
Thy  sov' reign  word  restores  the  light, 
And  quickens  all  my  drowsy  pow'rs. 

3  I  yield  myself  to  thy  command ; 

To  thee  devote  my  nights  and  days. 
Perpetual  blessings  from  thy  hand 
Demand  perpetual  hymns  of  praise. 

Hymn  399.  c.  m. 

1  TT  OS  ANN  AH  with  a  cheerful  sound 
XX  To  God's  upholding  hand  ! 

Ten  thousand  snares  our  path  surround, 
And  yet  secure  we  stand. 

2  How  wondrous  is  that  mighty  pow'r, 

Which  form'd  us  with  a  word! 
And  ev'ry  day,  and  ev'ry  hour, 
We  lean  upon  the  Lord. 

3  The  ev'ning  rests  our  weary  head, 

And  mercy  guards  the  room. 

We  wake,  and  we  admire  the  bed 

That  was  not  made  our  tomb. 

4  The  rising  morn  cannot  assure, 

That  we  shall  end  the  day ; 
For  death  stands  ready  at  the  door, 
To  take  our  lives  away. 

5  God  is  our  sun,  whose  daily  light 

Our  joy  and  safety  brings. 
Our  feeble  frame  lies  safe  at  night 
Beneath  his  shady  wings. 


L 


Hymn  400.  c.  m. 

ORD  of  my  life  !  O  may  thy  praise 
Employ  my  noblest  pow'rs, 


MORNING.  269 

Whose  goodness  lengthens  out  my  days, 
And  fills  the  circling  hours  ! 

2  Preserv'd  by  thine  almighty  arm, 

I  pass  the  shades  of  night, 
Serene  and  safe  from  ev'ry  harm, 
And  see  returning  light. 

3  While  many  spent  the  night  in  sighs, 

And  restless  pains  and  woes, 
In  gentle  sleep  I  clos'd  mine  eyes 
And  undistui  b'd  repose. 

4  When  sleep,  death's  semblance,  o'er  me  spread, 

And  I  unconscious  lay ; 
Thy  watchful  care  was  round  my  bed, 
To  guard  my  feeble  clay. 

5  O  let  the  same  almighty  care 

My  waking  hours  attend; 
Prom  ev'ry  trespass,  ev'ry  snare, 
My  heedless  steps  defend. 

6  Smile  on  my  minutes  as  they  roll, 

And  guide  my  future  days; 
And  let  thy  goodness  fill  my  soul 
With  gratitude  and  praise. 

Hymn  401.  l.  m. 

1  TN  sleep's  serene  oblivion  laid, 
J-  I  safely  pass'd  the  silent  night : 
Again  I  see  the  breaking  shade, 

I  drink  again  the  morning  light. 

2  New-born,  I  bless  the  waking  hour; 

Once  more,  with  awe,  rejoice  to  be  : 
My  conscious  soul  resumes' her  pow'r, 
And  springs,  my  guardian  God!  to  thee. 

3  O  guide  me  through  the  various  maze, 

My  doubtful  feet  are  doom'd  to  tread ; 


270  MORNING. 

And  spread  thy  shield's  protecting  blaze, 
Where  dangers  press  around  my  head. 

4  A  deeper  shade  shall  soon  impend ; 

A  deeper  sleep  mine  eyes  oppress : 

Yet  then  thy  strength  shall  still  defend, 

Thy  goodness  still  delight  to  bless. 

5  That  deeper  shade  shall  break  away ; 

That  deeper  sleep  shall  leave  mine  eyes : 
Thy  light  shall  give  eternal  day ; 
Thy  love,  the  raptures  of  the  skies. 

Hymn  402.  l.  m. 

1  \  WAKE,  my  soul !  and  with  the  sun 
_Z~jL  Thy  daily  stage  of  duty  run ; 
Shake  off  dull  sloth,  and  joyful  rise, 

To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

2  By  influence  of  the  light  divine, 
Let  thine  own  light  to  others  shine ; 
Reflect  all  heav'n's  propitious  rays, 
In  ardent  love  and  cheerful  praise. 

3  Lord  !  I  my  vows  to  thee  renew  : 
Disperse  my  sins  as  morning  dew ; 
Guard  my  first  springs  of  thought  and  will, 
And  with  thyself  my  spirit  fill. 

4  Direct,  control,  suggest,  this  day, 
All  I  design  to  do  or  say ; 

That  all  my  pow'rs,  with  all  their  might, 
In  thy  sole  glory  may  unite. 

5  All  praise  to  thee,  who  safe  hast  kept, 
And  hast  refresh' d  me,  while  I  slept ! 
Grant,  Lord,  when  I  from  death  shall  wake, 
I  may  of  endless  light  partake. 

Hymn  403.  cm. 

1   FTIO  thee  let  my  first  off' rings  rise, 
X    Whose  sun  creates  my  day ; 


EVENING.  271 


Swift  as  his  glad'ning  influ'nce  flies, 
And  spotless  as  his  ray. 

2  This  day  thy  lav  ring  hand  be  nigh, 

So  oft  vouchsaf 'd  before  ! 
Still  may  it  lead,  protect,  supply, 
And  I  that  hand  adore. 

3  If  bliss  thy  Providence  impart, 

For  which,  resign' d  I  pray  : 
Give  me  to  feel  the  grateful  heart, 
That,  without  guilt,  is  gay. 

4  Affliction  shouldst  thou  please  to  send, 

As  sin's  or  folly's  cure  : 
Patient,  to  gain  that  blessed  end, 
May  I  the  means  endure. 

5  Be  this  and  ev'ry  future  day 

Still  wiser  than  the  past; 
That,  from  the  whole  of  life's  survey, 
I  may  find  peace  at  last. 


2.    EVENING. 

Hymn  404.  l.m. 

1     \  LL  praise  to  thee,  my  God  !  this  night, 
_lJL  For  all  the  blessings  of  the  light. 
Keep  me,  O  keep  me,  King  of  kings  ' 


Beneath  thine  own  almighty  wings. 

2  Forgive  me,  Lord,  through  thy  dear  Son, 
The  ill  that  I  have  ever  done ; 

That  with  the  world,  myself  and  thee, 
I,  ere  I  sleep,  at  peace  may  be. 

3  Teach  me  to  live,  that  I  may  dread 
The  grave  as  little  as  my  bed  ; 

To  die,  that  this  frail  body  may- 
Rise  glorious  at  the  awful  day. 
24 


272  EVENING. 

Hymn  405.  l.  m. 

1  r  ■  1 HUS  far  the  Lord  has  led  me  on ; 

JL     Thus  far  his  pow'r  prolongs  my  days; 
And  ev'ry  ev'ning  shall  make  known 
Some  fresh  memorial  of  his  grace. 

2  Much  of  my  time  has  run  to  waste, 

And  I,  perhaps,  am  near  my  home : 
But  he  forgives  my  follies  past, 

And  strength  supplies  for  days  to  come. 

3  I  lay  my  body  down  to  sleep ; 

Peace  is  the  pillow  of  my  head  : 
His  ever-watchful  eye  will  keep 
Its  constant  guard  around  my  bed. 

4  Faith  in  his  name  forbids  my  fear : 

O  may  thy  presence  ne'er  depart ! 
And  in  the  morning  may  I  bear 
Thy  loving  kindness  on  my  heart ! 

Hymn  406.  c.  m. 

1  TNDULGENT  God  !  whose  bounteous  care 
A  O'er  all  thy  works  is  shown : 

O  let  my  grateful  praise  and  pray'r 
Ascend  before  thy  throne. 

2  What  mercies  has  this  day  bestow' d  I 

How  richly  hast  thou  bless' d  ! 
My  cup  with  plenty  overflow' d, 
With  cheerfulness  my  breast. 

3  Now  may  sweet  slumbers  close  mine  eyes, 

From  pain  and  sickness  free; 
And  let  my  waking  thoughts  arise, 
To  meditate  on  thee. 

4  So  bless  each  future  day  and  night, 

Till  life's  fond  scene  is  o'er ; 


EVENING.  273 

And  then  to  realms  of  endless  light 
0  let  my  spirit  soar  ! 

Hymn  407.  c.  m. 

1  1       ORD  !  thou  wilt  hear  me,  when  I  pray; 

I   J   I  am  for  ever  thine  : 
I  fear  before  thee  all  the  day, 
Nor  would  I  dare  to  sin. 

2  And,  while  I  rest  my  weary  head, 

From  cares  and  business  free ; 

'Tis  sweet  conversing  on  my  bed 

With  mine  own  heart  and  thee. 

3  I  pay  this  ev'ning  sacrifice; 

And,  when  my  work  is  done, 
Great  God,  my  faith  and  hope  relies 
Upon  thy  grace  alone. 

Hymn  408.  p.  m.  7s. 

1  TNTERVAL  of  grateful  shade, 
J_  Welcome  to  my  weary  head ! 
Welcome,  slumber,  to  mine  eyes, 
Tir'd  with  glaring  vanities. 

2  My  great  Master  still  allows 
Needful  periods  of  repose  : 
By  my  heav'nly  Father  blest, 
Thus,  I  give  my  pow'rs  to  rest. 

3  Heav'nly  Father  !  gracious  name  ! 
Night  and  day  his  love  the  same  ! 
Far  be  each  suspicious  thought, 
Ev'ry  anxious  care  forgot ! 

4  Thou,  my  ever-bounteous  God ! 
Crown' st  my  days  with  various  good. 
Thy  kind  eye,  which  cannot  sleep, 
My  defenceless  hours  shall  keep. 


274  NEW-YEAR. 

5  What  if  death  my  sleep  invade  ? 
Should  I  be  of  death  afraid  ? 
While  encircled  by  thine  arm, 
Death  may  strike,  but  cannot  harm. 

6  With  thy  heav'nly  presence  blest, 
Death  is  life,  and  labour  rest. 
Welcome  sleep  or  death  to  me, 
Still  secure,  for  still  with  thee ! 


S.     NEW-YEAR. 

Hymn  409.  l.  m. 

GREAT  God  !  we  sing  that  mighty  hand, 
By  which  supported,  still  we  stand. 
The  op'ning  year  thy  mercy  shows : 
Let  mercy  crown  it,  till  it  close. 

By  day,  at  night,  at  home,  abroad, 
Still  we  are  guarded  by  our  God  ; 
By  his  incessant  bounty  fed, 
By  his  unerring  counsel  led. 

With  grateful  hearts  the  past  we  own ; 
The  future,  all  to  us  unknown, 
We  to  thy  guardian-care  commit, 
And,  peaceful,  leave  before  thy  feet. 

In  scenes  exalted  or  depress' d, 
Be  thou  our  joy,  and  thou  our  rest : 
Thy  goodness  all  our  hopes  shall  raise, 
Ador'd  through  all  our  changing  days. 

When  death  shall  interrupt  our  songs, 
And  seal  in  silence  mortal  tongues ; 
Our  helper  God,  in  whom  we  trust, 
In  better  worlds  our  souls  shall  boast. 


RT-YEAR.  275 

Hymn  410.  l.  m. 


G 


With  blessijigs  crowns  each  op'ning  year. 
These  lives,  so  frail,  dost  thou  prolong 
And  wake  anew  our  annual  song. 

2  How  many  precious  souls  are  fled 
To  the  dark  regions  of  the  dead, 
Since,  from  this  day,  the  changing  sun 
Through  his  last  yearly  course  has  run  ! 

3  We  yet  survive  :  but  who  can  say, 

Or  through  the  year,  or  month,  or  day, 

1  shall  retain  my  vital  breath, 

Thus  far  at  least  in  league  with  death  ? 

4  That  breath  is  thine,  eternal  God ! 
"Tis  thine  to  fix  the  soul's  abode. 
We  hold  our  lives  from  thee  alone, 
On  earth,  or  in  the  world  unknown. 

5  To  thee  we  all  our  pow'  rs  resign ; 
Make  us  and  own  us  still  as  thine : 
Then  shall  we  smile,  secure  from  fear, 
Though  death  should  blast  the  rising  year. 

6  Thy  children,  eager  to  be  gone, 
Bid  time's  impetuous  tide  roll  on, 
And  land  them  on  that  blooming  shore 
Where  years  and  death  are  known  no  more. 


Hymx  411.  c.  m. 


R 


Of  the  revolving  year. 
How  swift  the  weeks  complete  their  rounds ! 
How  short  the  months  appear  ! 

2  So  fast  eternity  comes  on, 

And  that  important  day, 

24* 


276  PUBLIC    BLESSINGS 

When  all  that  mortal  life  has  done 
God's  judgment  shall  survey. 

3  Yet  like  an  idle  tale  we  pass 

The  swift  advancing  year; 
And  study  artful  ways  t'  increase 
The  speed  of  its  career. 

4  Waken,  O  God  !  my  trifling  heart, 

Its  great  concern  to  see ; 
That  I  may  act  the  Christian  part, 
And  give  the  year  to  thee. 

5  Thus  shall  their  course  more  grateful  run, 

If  future  years  arise ; 
And  bear  me,  swift  as  time  can  move, 
To  joy  that  never  dies. 


4.   PUBLIC  AND  NATIONAL  BLESSINGS  AND  AFFLICTIONS. 

Hymn  412.  l.  m. 

Thanksgiving. 

1  ~p RAISE,  happy  land  !  Jehovah's  name; 
JL     His  goodness,  and  thy  bliss  proclaim. 
For  thee  each  blessing  largely  flows, 
That  freedom's  lib'ral  hand  bestows. 

2  Thy  children  are  secure  and  blest ; 
Thy  shores  have  peace,  thy  cities  rest; 
He  feeds  thy  sons  with  finest  wheat, 
And  adds  his  blessing  to  their  meat. 

3  Thy  changing  seasons  he  ordains, 
Thine  early  and  thy  latter  rains ; 

His  flakes  of  snow  like  wool  he  sends, 
And  well  the  springing  corn  defends. 


AND    AFFLICTIONS.  277 

4  But  he  hath  nobler  works  and  ways, 
To  call  his  people  to  his  praise : 
To  all  our  land  his  laws  are  shown ; 
His  gospel's  through  the  nation  known. 

Hymn  413.  p.  m.  &. 

1  TTOW  rich  thy  gifts,  Almighty  King! 
XX  From  thee  our  vary:d  comforts  spring: 

Th1  extended  trade,  the  fruitful  skies, 
The  blessings  liberty  bestows, 
Th'  eternal  joys  the  gospel  shows. — 

All  from  thy  boundless  goodness  rise 

2  Here  commerce  spreads  the  wealthy  store, 
That  pours  from  ev'ry  foreign  shore : 

Science  and  art  their  charms  display : 
Religion  teaches  us  to  raise 
Our  voices  to  our  Maker's  praise, 

As  truth  and  conscience  point  the  way. 

3  With  grateful  hearts,  with  joyful  tongues, 
To  God  we  raise  united  songs ; 

His  pow'r  and  mercy  we  proclaim: 
This  land  through  ev'ry  age  shall  own, 
Jehovah  here  has  fix'd  his  throne, 

And  triumph  in  his  mighty  name. 

4  Long  as  the  moon  her  course  shall  run, 
Or  man  behold  the  circling  sun, 

O  still  may  God  amidst  us  reign : 
Crown  our  just  counsels  with  success, 
With  peace  and  joy  our  borders  bless, 

And  all  our  sacred  rights  maintain. 


I 


Hymn  414.  c.  m. 

National  Security  from  God, 

N  vain  opposing  nations  rage, 
If  God  with  us  abide : 


278  PUBLIC    BLESSINGS 

One  word  of  his  dissolves  their  strength, 
And  humbles  all  their  pride. 

His  wisdom  sees  correction  meet  j 

He  gives  the  dread  command, 
And  war  its  desolation  spreads 

Through  ev'ry  trembling  land. 

3  His  purpose  wrought,  again  he  speaks, 

And  desolations  cease : 
War's  loud  alarms  are  heard  no  more, 
And  all  the  world  is  peace. 

4  Mortals,  adore  his  sov' reign  pow'r, 

Nor  dare  provoke  his  rod  : 
Through  all  your  various  tribes  be  still, 
And  know  that  he  is  God. 

Hymn  415.  l.  m. 

In  time  of  War. 

1  ~V^7~HILE  sounds  of  war  are  heard  around, 

▼  ?      And  death  and  ruin  strew  the  ground ; 
To  thee  we  look,  on  thee  we  call, 
The  Parent  and  the  Lord  of  all. 

2  Thou,  who  hast  stamp' d  on  human  kind 
The  image  of  a  heav'n-born  mind, 
And  in  a  Father's  wide  embrace 
Hast  cherish' d  all  the  kindred  race : 

3  O  see,  with  what  insatiate  rage 
Thy  sons  their  impious  battles  wage ; 
How  spreads  destruction  like  a  flood, 
And  brothers  shed  their  brothers'  blood ! 

4  See  guilty  passions  spring  to  birth, 
And  deeds  of  hell  deform  the  earth* 
Whilst  righteousness  and  justice  mourn, 
And  love  and  pity  droop  forlorn. 


AND    AFFLICTIONS.  270 

5  Great  God  !  whose  povv'rful  hand  can  bind 
The  raging  waves,  the  furious  wind : 

0  bid  the  human  tempest  cease, 

And  hush  the  madd'ning  world  to  peace. 
0  With  rev'rence  may  each  hostile  land 
Hear  and  obey  that  high  command, 
Thy  Son's  blest  errand  from  above : — 
"  My  creatures,  live  in  mutual  love  !" 

Hymn  416.  s.  m. 

1  /^  OD,  to  correct  the  world, 
VJT  In  wrath  is  slow  to  rise ; 

But  comes  at  length,  in  thunder  cloth' d, 
And  darkness  veils  the  skies. 

2  His  banners,  lifted  high, 

The  nations'  God  declare, 
And  stain' d  with  blood,  with  terrors  mark'd, 
Spread  wonder  and  despair. 

3  All  earthly  pomp  and  pride 

Are  in  his  presence  lost ; 
Empires  o'erturn'd,  thrones,  sceptres,  crowns, 
la  wild  confusion  toss'd. 

4  While  war  and  wo  prevail, 

And  desolation  wide ; 
In  God,  the  sov' reign  Lord  of  all, 
The  righteous  still  confide. 

5  Mysterious  is  the  course 

Of  his  tremendous  way  : 
His  path  is  in  the  trackless  winds, 
And  in  the  foaming  sea. 

6  Yet,  though  now  wrapt  in  clouds, 

And  from  our  view  conceal' d, 
The  righteous  Judge  will  soon  appear, 
In  majesty  reveal' d  ! 


280  PUBLIC    BLESSINGS 

7  He'll  curb  the  lawless  pow'r, 

The  deadly  wrath  of  man ; 
And  all  the  windings  will  unfold 
Of  his  own  gracious  plan. 

8  The  sons  of  tyranny 

In  ruin  shall  be  hurl'd; 
And  light,  and  liberty,  and  bliss, 
Embrace  the  new-born  world. 

Hymn  417.  l.  m. 

1  f\  COME,  behold  a  scene  of  dread! 
V>J  Behold  a  world  with  slaughter  spread ! 
And  know,  'tis  God  who  bids  each  land 
Thus  feel  the  terrors  of  his  hand. 

2  'Tis  his  again  the  earth  to  cheer, 
To  break  the  bow,  to  snap  the  spear, 
To  wrap  in  flames  the  glitt'ring  car, 
And  hush  the  tumult  of  the  war. 

3  Behold  us,  Lord  !  oppress  d  with  wo, 
As  exil'd  from  thy  care  we  go : 
Rebuk'd  for  sin,  chastis'd  by  thee, 
Grant  us  again  thy  face  to  see. 

4  O  thou,  the  God  whom  we  adore ! 
Our  breaches  heal,  our  peace  restore. 
Our  hope,  on  man  repos'd  in  vain, 

O  let  thy  strength,  great  God !  sustain. 

B  The  objects  of  thy  tend' rest  love 
O  save,  propitious  from  above  ! 
Let  us  with  them  thy  mercy  share  j 
And  hear,  O  hear  our  ceaseless  pray'r. 


w 


Hymn  418.  l.  m. 

E  feel  thine  awful  chast'ning  rod, 
Thy  sov' reign  justice  we  adore; 


AND    AFFLICTIONS.  281 

Yet  we  approach  thy  feet.  O  God, 
Thv  boundless  mercy  to  implore. 

Teach  us  to  mourn  for  all  our  guilt ; 

May  reformation  fill  the  land; 
No  more  may  human  blood  be  spill' d, 

But  love  and  joy  each  heart  expand. 

To  thee,  O  Lord,  to  thee  alone, 

We  look  for  help,  while  drown'd  in  tears. 
Send  down  salvation  from  thy  throne ; 

Subdue  our  hearts,  remove  our  fears. 

Unite  our  souls  to  trust  thy  grace ; 

Portentous,  angry  clouds  dispel ; 
Let  party-feuds  no  more  have  place, 

Nor  tongues  be  "  set  on  fire  of  hell." 

May  the  kind  spirit  of  thy  Son 

Preside  and  rule  in  ev'ry  soul: 
That  wars  may  cease,  thy  will  be  done, 

And  praise  resound  from  pole  to  pole. 

Hymn  419.  c.  m. 

Prayer  for  Victory  over  invading  Foes. 

OLORD,  our  fathers  oft  have  told, 
In  our  attentive  ears, 
Thy  wonders  in  their  days  perform' d, 
And  in  more  ancient  years. 

'Twas  not  their  courage,  nor  their  sword 

To  them  salvation  gave ; 
'Twas  not  their  number,  nor  their  strength, 

That  did  their  country  save. 

But  thy  right  hand,  thy  pow;rful  arm; 

Whose  succour  they  implor'd; 
Thy  Providence  protected  those, 

Who  thy  great  name  ador'd. 


282  PUBLIC    BLESSINGS 

4  As  thee,  their  God,  our  fathers  own'dr 

So  thou  art  still  our  King. 
O  therefore,  as  thou  didst  to  them, 
To  us  deliv' ranee  bring. 

5  To  thee,  the  glory  we'll  ascribe, 

From  whom  salvation  came ; 
In  God  our  shield  we  will  rejoice, 
And  ever  bless  thy  name. 

Hymn  420.  l.  m. 

1  "]\]"OW  may  the  God  of  grace  and  pow'r 
jj\    Attend  his  people's  humble  cry ; 
Defend  them  in  the  needful  hour, 

And  send  deliv' ranee  from  on  high. 

2  In  his  salvation  is  our  hope ; 

And  in  the  name  of  Israel's  God, 
Our  troops  shall  lift  their  banners  up, 
Our  navies  spread  their  flags  abroad. 

3  Some  trust  in  horses  train' d  for  war, 

And  some  of  chariots  make  their  boast ; 
Our  surest  expectations  are 

From  thee,  the  Lord  of  heav'nly  hosts. 

4  Now  save  us,  Lord,  from  slavish  fear ; 

Now  let  our  hope  be  firm  and  strong; 
Till  thy  salvation  shall  appear, 

And  hymns  of  peace  conclude  our  song. 

Hymn  421.  l.  m. 

Public  Humiliation. 


G 


REAT  Framer  of  unnumber'd  worlds, 
And  whom  unnumber'd  worlds  adore ! 
Thy  goodness  all  thy  creatures  share, 
And  nature  trembles  at  thy  pow'r. 


AND    AFFLICTIONS.  283 

2  While  suppliant  crowds  implore  thine  aid, 

To  thee  we  raise  the  humble  cry : 
Thine  altar  is  the  contrite  heart ; 
Thine  incense  a  repentant  sigh. 

3  But  if  injustice  grind  the  poor, 

Or  av'rice  stain  the  sordid  hand, 
Or  stern  ambition  thirst  for  blood, 
Or  rude  oppression  waste  the  land : 

4  The  God,  who  hears  the  orphan's  cry, 

The  martyrs  prayr,  and  prisoner's  groan, 
Still  list'ning  to  the  poor  opprest, 

Would  spurn  th'  oppressor  from  his  throne, 

5  Yet,  though  enormous  crimes  abound, 

Should  but  a  genuine  sorrow  rise ; 
And,  as  new  troubles  threaten  round 
'Midst  wasting  wars  and  angry  skies, 

6  Should,  in  her  sober  hour,  our  land 

Confess  thy  hand  and  bless  the  rod : 

Thou  still  wouldst  love  to  be  her  friend, 

Who  lov'd  to  own  thee  as  her  God. 

Hymn  422.  c.  m. 

1  "VI7"HEN  Abra'm,  full  of  sacred  awe, 

M      Before  Jehovah  stood, 
And  with  an  humble,  fervent  pray'r, 
For  guilty  Sodom  sued ; 

2  With  what  success,  what  wondrous  grace, 

Was  his  petition  crown' d  ! 
The  Lord  would  spare,  if  in  this  place 
Ten  righteous  men  were  found. 

3  And  could  a  single  pious  soul 

So  rich  a  boon  obtain  % 
Good  God !  and  shall  a  nation  cry, 
And  plead  with  thee  in  vain? 
25 


284  PUBLIC    BLESSINGS 

4  Are  not  the  righteous  dear  to  thee, 

Now,  as  in  ancient  times  ? 

Or  does  this  sinful  land  exceed 

Gomorrah  in  her  crimes  ! 

5  Still  we  are  thine,  we  bear  thy  name  J 

Here  yet  is  thine  abode. 
Long  has  thy  presence  blest  our  land : 
Forsake  us  not,  O  God ! 

6  O  may  our  people,  rulers,  priests, 

Thy  choicest  blessings  share ; 
And  know  thee  by  that  glorious  name, 
"  The  God  who  heareth  pray'r !" 

Hymn  423.  c.  m. 

1  r  j  ^  HY  gracious  favour,  Lord  !  display, 

JL     Which  we  have  long  implor'd; 
And,  for  thy  wondrous  mercies'  sake, 
Thy  wonted  aid  afford. 

2  God's  answer  patiently  I'll  wait; 

For  he,  with  glad  success, 
If  they  no  more  to  folly  turn, 
His  mourning  saints  will  bless. 

3  To  all,  that  fear  his  holy  name, 

His  sure  salvation's  near; 

And  in  its  former  happy  state, 

Our  nation  shall  appear. 

4  Truth  from  the  earth  shall  spring,  whilst  heav'n 

Shall  streams  of  justice  pour ; 
And  God,  from  whom  all  blessings  flow, 
Shall  endless  plenty  show'r. 

Hymn  424.  l.  m. 

Praise  for  Deliverance  and  Peace. 
\  TT)  RAISE  to  the  Lord,  who  bows  his  ear 
XT    Propitious  to  his  people's  pray'r; 


• 


\N1>    AFFLICTIONS  285 

And,  though  deliv' ranee  long  delay, 
Answers  in  his  well-chosen  day. 

Salvation  doth  to  God  belong; 
His  pow'r  and  grace  shall  be  our  song; 
The  tribute  of  our  love  we  bring 
To  thee,  our  Saviour  and  our  King. 

Our  temples,  guarded  from  the  flame, 
Shall  echo  thy  triumphant  name ; 
And  ev'ry  peaceful  private  home 
To  thee  a  temple  shall  become. 

Still  be  it  our  supreme  delight, 
To  walk  as  in  thine  honour d  sight; 
Still  in  thy  precepts  and  thy  fear, 
Till  life's  last  hour,  to  persevere. 

O  when  shall  time  the  period  bring, 
When  peace  shall  stretch  her  balmy  wing 
O'er  ev'ry  land  and  ev'ry  shore, 
And  raging  war  shall  waste  no  more ! 

Hymn  425.  l.  m. 

1  "["TAP  not  the  Lord,  may  Israel  say, 
XX  Had  not  the  Lord  maintain' d  our  side, 
When  rifpf;  to  make  our  lives  a  prey, 

Rose  like  the  swelling  of  the  tide  ; 

2  The  swelling  tide  had  stopp'd  our  breath, 

So  fiercely  did  the  billows  roll : 
We  had  been  swallow' d  up  in  death; 
The  waters  had  o'er  whelm' d  our  soul. 

3  For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
.Whohroke  the  fowler' sdeadb 


Who  sav'd  us  from  the  threat' ning  sword, 
And"  made  our  lives  his  watchful  care. 

Our  help  is  in  Jehovah's  name, 

Who  form'd  the  earth  and  built  the  skies; 


286  PUBLIC    BLESSINGS. 

Who  still  upholds  all  nature's  frame, 

And  gua.rdsJffl  $$$  $ttf  wakeM  eyes. 

Hymn  426.  p.  m.  ios  &  us. 

1  TVTOW  let  our  songs  address  the  God  of  peace. 
J_\    Who  bids  the  tumult  of  the  battle  cease ; 
The  pointed  spears  to  pruning-hooks  he  bends, 
And  the  broad  falchion  in  the  plough-share  ends. 
His  pow'rful  word  unites  contending  nations 

In  kind  embrace  and  friendly  salutations. 

2  While  we  beneath  our  vines  and  fig-trees  sit, 
Or  thus  within  thy  sacred  temple  meet, 
Accept,  great  God  !  the  tribute  of  our  song, 
And  all  the  mercies  of  this  day  prolong. 

Then  spread  thy  peaceful  word  thro'  ev'ry  nation* 
That  all  the  earth  may  hail  thy  great  salvation. 

Hymn  427.  p.  m.  %. 

1  "|3EACE  !  the  welcome  sound  proclaim; 
JET    Dwell  with  rapture  on  the  theme. 
Loud,  still  louder  swell  the  strain : 
Peace  on  earth  !  good-will  to  men  !      ^^ 

2  Breezes  !  whisp'ring  soft  and  low, 
Gently  murmur  as  ye  blow, 
Now,  when  war  and  discord  cease, 
Praises  to  the  God  of  peace. 

3  Ocean's  billows  !  far  and  wide, 
Rolling  in  majestic  pride  ! 

Loud,  still  louder  swell  the  strain : 

Peace  on  earth!  goodwill  to  men  !  ^ 

4  Vocal  songsters  of  the  grove  ! 
Sweetly  chant  in  notes  of  love, 
Now,  when  war  and  discord  cease* 
Praises  to  the  God  of  peace. 


FOR  A  CONGREGATION.  287 

Mortals,  who  these  blessings  feel ! 
Christians,  who  before  him  kneel ! 
Loud,  still  louder  swell  the  strain  : 
Peace  on  earth,  good-will  to  men  ! 


'A: 


5.  FOR  A  CONGREGATION. 

Hymn  428.  l.  m. 

On  Opejiing  a  new  Place  of  Worship. 
ND  will  the  great  eternal  God 
—  On  earth  establfsh  his  abode  ? 
And  will  he  from  his  radiant  throne 
Regard  our  temples  as  his  own  ? 

2  We  bring  the  tribute  of  our  praise; 
And  sing  that  condescending  grace, 
Which  to  our  notes  will  lend  an  ear, 
And  call  us,  sinful  mortals  near. 

3  Our  Fathers  watchful  care  we  bless, 
Which  guards  our  house  of  pray'r  in'  peace, 
1  hat  no  tumultuous  foes  invade, 

To  fill  the  worshippers  with  dread. 

4  These  walls  we  to  thine  honour  raise  : 
Long  may  they  echo  with  thy  praise ; 
And  thou,  descending,  fill  the  place 
With  choicest  tokens  of  thy  grace. 

5  And  in  the  great  decisive  dav, 
When  God  the  nations  shall  "survey 
May  it  before  the  world  appear, 
That  crowds  were  born  to  glory  here  ! 


I 


Hymn  429.  p.M.es**. 

N  sweet,  exalted  strains 
The  King  of  glory  praise: 
25* 


288  FOR  A  CONGREGATION. 

O'er  heav'n  and  earth  he  reigns, 

Through  everlasting  days. 
He  with  a  nod  the  world  controls, 
Sustains  or  sinks  the*  distant  poles. 
2  To  earth  he  bends  his  throne, 

His  throne  of  grace  divine; 
Wide  is  his  bounty  known, 

And  wide  his  glories  shine. 
Fair  Salem,  still  his  chosen  rest, 
Is  with  his  smiles  and  presence  bless' d. 
8  Then  King  of  glory  !  come  ; 

And  with  thy  favour  crown 
This  temple  as  thy  dome, 

This  people  as  thine  own. 
Within  this  house,  O  deign  to  show, 
How  God  can  dwell  with  men  below. 

4  Here  may  thine  ears  attend 

Our  interceding  cries, 
And  grateful  praise  ascend 

All  fragrant  to  the  skies. 
Here  may  thy  word  melodious  sound, 
And  spread  the  joys  heav'n  around. 

5  Here  may  th'  attentive  throng 

Imbibe  thy  truth  and  love ; 
And  converts  join  the  song 

Of  seraphim  above ; 
And  willing  crowds  surround  thy  board, 
With  sacred  joy  and  sweet  accord. 

6  In  peace,  here  may  our  sons 

And  daughters  sound  thy  praise; 
And  shine  like  polish' d  stones, 

Through  long  succeeding  days. 
Here,  Lord !  display  thy  saving  pow'r, 
While  churches  stand  and  saints  adore;. 


for  a  congregation.  289 

Hymn  430.  l.  m. 

At  the  Ordination  or  Settlement  of  a  Minister. 

1  1 1  iHL'S  spake  the  Saviour,  when  he  sent 

JL     His  ministers  to  preach  his  word; 

They  through  the  world  obedient  went, 

And  spread  the  gospel  of  their  Lord. 

2  "  Go  forth,  ye  heralds,  in  my  name : 

Bid  the  whole  earth  my  grace  receive ; 
The  gospel  jubilee  proclaim, 

And  call  them  to  repent  and  live. 

3  "  The  joyful  news  to  all  impart, 

And  teach  them  where  salvation  lies ; 
Bind  up  the  broken,  bleeding  heart, 
And  wipe  the  tear  from  weeping  eyes. 

4  "Be  wise  as  serpents  where  you  go, 

But  harmless  as  the  peaceful  dove ; 
And  let  your  heaven-taught  conduct  show, 
That  you're  commission' d  from  above 

5  "Freely  from  me  ye  have  receiv'd; 

Freely  in  love  to  others  give : 
Thus  shall  your  doctrines  be  believ'd, 
And  by  your  labour  sinners  live." 

6  Happy  those  servants  of  the  Lord, 

Who  thus  their  Master's  will  obey! 
How  rich,  how  full  is  their  reward, 
Reserv'd  until  the  final  day! 

Hymn  431.  l.  m. 

1   /^1  REAT  Lord  of  angels  !  we  adore 

vT  The  grace  that  builds  thy  courts  below : 
And,  midst  ten  thousand  sons  of  light, 
Stoops  to  regard  what  mortals  do ! 


290  FOR    A    CONGREGATION. 

2  Amidst  the  wastes  of  time  and  death, 

Successive  pastors  thou  dost  raise, 

Thy  kingdom  and  thy  truth  to  spread, 

And  form  a  people  for  thy  praise. 

3  At  length,  dismiss' d  from  feeble  clay, 

Thy  servants  join  th'  angelic  band, 
With  them  through  distant  worlds  they  fly, 
With  them  before  thy  presence  stand. 

4  O  blest  employment !  glorious  hope  ! 

Sweet  lenitive  of  grief  and  care  ! 
When  shall  we  reach  those  radiant  courts, 
And  all  their  joys  and  honours  share  1 

5  Yet  while  these  labours  we  pursue, 

Though  distant  from  thy  heav'nly  throne, 
Give  us  a  zeal  and  love  like  theirs, 

And  half  their  heav'n  shall  here  be  known. 

Hymn  432.  l.  m. 

On  the  Dangerous  Sickness  of  a  Minister. 

1  /~\  THOU,  before  whose  gracious  throne 
V>J   We  bow  our  suppliant  spirits  down ! 
Thou  know' st  the  anxious  cares  we  feel, 
And  all  our  trembling  lips  would  tell. 

2  Avert  thy  desolating  stroke, 

Nor  smite  the  shepherd  of  the  flock  ; 
Restore  him,  sinking  to  the  grave ; 
Stretch  out  thine  arm,  make  haste  to  save. 

3  But  if  our  supplications  fail, 

And  pray'rs  and  tears  cannot  prevail: 
Be  thou  his  strength,  be  thou  his  stay  ; 
Support  him  through  the  gloomy  way. 

4  Around  him  may  thine  angels  stand, 
Waiting  the  signal  of  thy  hand, 


SICKNESS    AND    RECOVERY.  291 

To  bid  his  happy  spirit  rise, 

And  bear  him  to  their  native  skies. 

Hymn  433.  c.  m. 

For  a  Vacant  Congregation  on  the  Death  of  its 

Minister. 


'N 


OW  let  our  drooping  hearts  revive, 
And  let  our  tears  be  dry : 
Why  should  those  eyes  be  drown' d  in  grief, 
Which  view  a  Saviour  nigh? 


2  Though  earthly  shepherds  dwell  in  dust, 

The  aged  and  the  young ; 
The  watchful  eye  in  darkness  clos'd, 
And  mute  th'  instructive  tongue  : 

3  Th'  eternal  Shepherd  still  survives, 

New  comfort  to  impart. 
His  hand  still  guides  us,  and  his  voice 
Still  animates  our  heart. 

4  The  pow'rs  of  nature,  Lord  !  are  thine, 

And  thine  the  aids  of  grace. 
Thine  arm  has  borne  thy  churches  up, 
Through  ev'ry  rising  race. 

5  Exert  thy  sacred  influ'nce  here ; 

Thy  mourning  servants  bless. 
O  change  to  strains  of  cheerful  praise 
Their  accents  of  distress. 


6.     SICKNESS     AND     RECOVERY, 

Hymn  434  c.  m. 

CONSIDER  all  my  sorrows,  Lord  ! 
And  thy  deliv' ranee  send. 
My  soul  for  thy  salvation  faints; 
When  will  my  troubles  end  ? 


292  SICKNESS    AND    RECOVERY. 

2  Yet  I  have  found,  'tis  good  for  me 

To  bear  my  Father's  rod  : 
Afflictions  make  me  learn  thy  law, 
And  live  upon  my  God. 

3  This  is  the  comfort  I  enjoy, 

When  new  distress  begins ; 
I  read  thy  word,  I  run  thy  ways, 
And  hate  my  former  sins. 

4  Had  not  thy  word  been  my  delight, 

When  earthly  joys  were  fled; 
My  soul,  oppress' d  with  sorrow's  weight, 
Had  sunk  amongst  the  dead. 

5  I  know  thy  judgments,  Lord !  are  right, 

Though  they  may  seem  severe. 
The  sharpest  suff' rings  I  endure 
Flow  from  thy  faithful  care. 


P 


Hymn  435.  s.  m. 

EACE,  my  complaining  heart ! 
Ye  busy  cares,  be  still ! 
Adore  the  just,  the  sov' reign  Lord ! 
Nor  murmur  at  his  will. 

2  'Tis  wisdom  guides  his  hand; 

Nor  dares  my  guilty  fear, 
Amidst  the  sharpest  pains  I  feel, 
Pronounce  his  hand  severe. 

3  To  soften  ev'ry  stroke, 

Indulgent  mercy  bends ; 

And,  unrepining  when  I  plead, 

His  gracious  ear  attends. 

4  Let  me  reflect  with  awe> 

Whene'er  my  heart  complains  : 
Compar'd  with  what  my  sins  deserve, 
How  easy  are  my  pains ! 


SICKNESS    AND    RECOVERY.  293 

5  Yes,  Lord,  I  own  thy  hand, 

Thou  just,  and  wise,  and  kind  ! 
Be  ev'ry  anxious  thought  suppress' d, 
And  all  my  soul  resign  d. 

Hymn  436.  c.  m. 

1  "pvlSEASES  are  thy  servants,  Lord  1 
-L/   They  come  at  thy  command. 

I'll  not  attempt  a  murm'ring  word 
Against  thy  chast'ning  hand. 

2  I'm  but  a  sojourner  below, 

As  all  my  fathers  were  : 
May  I  be  well  prepar'd  to  go, 
When  I  the  summons  hear. 

3  But,  if  my  life  be  spar'd  awhile, 

Before  my  last  remove  : 
Thy  praise  shall  be  my  business  still, 
And  I'll  declare  thy  love. 

Hymn  437.  c.  m. 

1  "1%/TY  soul,  the  awful  hour  will  come, 
_LtJL  Apace  it  passeth  on, 

To  bear  this  body  to  the  tomb, 
And  thee  to  scenes  unknown. 

2  My  heart,  long  lab' ring  with  its  woes, 

Shall  pant  and  sink  away ; 
And  you,    my   eyelids,  soon  shall  close 
On  the  last  glimm'ring  ray. 

3  Whence  in  that  hour  shall  I  receive 

A  cordial  for  my  pain, 
When,  if  earth's  monarchs  were  my  friends, 
Those  friends  would  weep  in  vain? 

4  Great  King  of  nature  and  of  grace ! 

To  thee  my  spirit  flies, 


294         SICKNESS    AND    RECOVERY. 

And  opens  all  its  deep  distress 
Before  thy  pitying  eyes. 

5  All  its  desires  to  thee  are  known, 

And  ev'ry  secret  fear; 
The  meaning  of  each  broken  groan 
Well-notic'd  by  thine  ear. 

6  O  fix  me  by  that  mighty  pow'r, 

Which  to  such  love  belongs, 
Where  darkness  veils  the  eyes  no  more, 
And  groans  are  chang'd  to  songs. 

Hymn  438.  p.  m.  8s  &  9s. 

On  Recovering  from  Disease, 

1  TTOW  vast  is  the  tribute  I  owe 
Xl  Of  gratitude,  homage,  and  praise, 
To  the  Giver  of  all  I  possess, 

The  life  and  the  length  of  my  days ! 

2  When  the  sorrows  I  boded  were  come, 

I  pour'd  out  my  sighs  and  my  tears : 
And  to  him,  who  alone  can  relieve, 

My  soul  breath' d  her  vows  and  her  pray'rs. 

3  When  my  heart  throbb'd  with  pain  and  alarm, 

When  paleness  my  cheek  overspread, 
When  sickness  pervaded  my  frame ; —  _ 
Then  my  soul  on  my  Maker  was  staid. 

4  When  death's  awful  image  was  nigh, 

And  no  mortal  was  able  to  save ; 
Thou  didst  brighten  the  valley  of  death, 
And  illumine  the  gloom  of  the  grave. 

5  In  mercy  thy  presence  dispels 

The  shades  of  calamity's  night. 
And  turns  the  sad  scene  of  despair 
To  a  morning  of  joy  and  delight. 


SICKNESS    AND    RECOVERY.  295 

Great  source  of  my  comforts  restor'd  ! 

Thou  healer  and  balm  of  my  woes  ! 
Thou  hope  and  desire  of  my  soul ! 

On  thy  mercy  I'll  ever  repose. 

How  boundless  the  gratitude  due 
To  thee,  O  thou  God  of  my  praise  ! 

The  fountain  of  all  I  possess, 

The  life  and  the  light  of  my  days ! 

Hymn  439.  l.  m. 

FIRM  was  my  health,  my  day  was  bright, 
And  I  presum'd  'twould  ne'er  be  night. 
Fondly  I  said  within  my  heart, 
Pleasure  and  peace  shall  ne'er  depart. 

But  I  forgot,  thine  arm  was  strong, 
Which  made  my  mountain  stand  so  long ; 
And,  when  thy  face  was  turn'd  aside, 
My  health  was  gone,  my  comforts  died. 

Hear  me,  O  God  of  grace  !  I  said, 
And  raise  me  from  among  the  dead. 
Thy  word  rebuk'd  the  pains  I  felt; 
Thy  pard'ning  love  remov'd  my  guilt. 

I  will  extol  thee,  Lord,  on  high : 
At  thy  command  diseases  fly. 
Who  but  a  God  can  speak  and  save 
From  the  dark  borders  of  the  grave  ? 

Thine  anger  but  a  moment  stays ; 
Thy  love  is  life  and  length  of  days. 
Though  grief  and  tears  the  night  employ, 
The  morning-star  restores  the  joy. 


I 


Hymn  440.  c.  m. 

LOVE  the  Lord ;  he  heard  my  cries, 
And  pity'd  ev'ry  groan : 
26 


296  SICKNESS    AND    RECOVERY. 

Long  as  I  live,  when  troubles  rise, 
T'll  hasten  to  his  throne. 

2  I  love  the  Lord ;  he  bow'd  his  ear, 

And  chas'd  my  griefs  away. 

0  let  my  heart  no  more  despair, 
While  I  have  breath  to  pray  ! 

3  Among  the  saints  that  fill  thy  house, 

Mine  off' ring  shall  be  paid  ; 
There  shall  my  zeal  perform  the  vows 
My  soul  in  anguish  made. 

4  The  Lord  beheld  me  sore  distress'd ; 

He  bade  my  pains  remove. 
Return,  my  soul,  to  God,  thy  rest ; 
For  thou  hast  known  his  love. 

Hymn  441.  c.  m. 

1  ^OV'REIGN  of  life,  I  own  thy  hand 
k3   In  ev'ry  chast'ning  stroke; 

And,  while  I  smart  beneath  thy  rod, 
Thy  presence  I  invoke. 

2  To  thee  in  my  distress  I  cried, 

And  thou  hast  bow'd  thine  ear. 
Thy  pow'rful  word  prolong'd  my  life, 
And  brought  salvation  near. 

3  Unfold  the  gates  of  righteousness, 

That,  with  the  pious  throng, 

1  may  record  my  solemn  vows, 

And  tune  my  grateful  song. 

4  Praise  to  the  Lord,  whose  gentle  hand 

Renews  our  lab' ring  breath  ! 
Praise  to  the  Lord,  who  makes  his  saints 
Triumphant  e'en  in  death. 

5  My  God  !  in  thine  appointed  hour, 

Those  heav'nly  gates  display, 


SICKNESS    AND    RECOVERY.  297 

Where  pain,  and  sin,  and  fear,  and  death, 
For  ever  flee  away. 

6  There,  wlnle  the  nations  of  the  bless'd 
With  raptures  bow  around; 
Mine  anthems  to  deliv'ring  grace 
In  sweeter  strains  shall  sound. 

Hymn  442.  c.  m.    ^ 

jl  X")C7~HEN  o'er  the  trodden  paths  of  life  | 
T  Y      Backwards  I  turn  mine  eyes : 
What  vary'd  scenes  throughout  the  road 
Awaken  my  surprise  ! 

2  Thousands,  to  whom  my  natal  hour 

Imparted  vital  breath, 
Just  look'd  on  life,  and  clos'd  their  eyes 
In  the  fast  sleep  of  death. 

3  Thousands,  who  climb' d  to  manhood's  stage, 

Safe  through  unnumber'd  snares, 
Travell'd  not  far,  before  they  sunk 
Amidst  its  thorns  and  cares. 

4  Follow' d,  through  ev'ry  changing  stage, 

With  goodness  all  my  days  : 
Deny  me  not  a  heart  to  love, 

A  tongue  to  speak  thy  praise.  -_ 

5  Ten  thousand  thousand  thanks  to  thee 

Echo  along  the  road. 
O  mav  I  join  those  endless  songs, 
T-  That  fill  thy  blest  abode.  1 


7.  ON  THE  DEATH  OF  RELATIVES  OR  FRIENDS. 

Hymn  443.  l.  m. 

THE  God  of  love  will  sure  indulge 
The  flowing  tear,  the  heaving  sigh. 


298  ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

When  righteous  persons  fall  around, 
When  tender  friends  and  kindred  die. 

2  Yet  not  one  anxious  murm'ring  thought 

Should  with  our  mourning  passions  blend ; 
Nor  should  our  bleeding  hearts  forget 
Th'  almighty  ever-living  Friend. 

3  Parent,  Protector,  Guardian,  Guide ! 

Thou  art  each  tender  name  in  one. 
On  thee  we  cast  our  ev'ry  care, 
And  comfort  seek  from  thee  alone. 

4  Our  Father  God,  to  thee  we  look, 

Our  rock,  our  portion,  and  our  Friend ! 
And  on  thy  gracious  love  and  truth 
Our  sinking  souls  shall  still  depend. 

Hymn  444.  c.  m. 

1  TV/FUST  friends  and  kindred  droop  and  die, 
_LtJL  And  helpers  be  withdrawn ; 

While  sorrow,  with  a  weeping  eye. 
Counts  up  our  comforts  gone? 

2  Be  thou  our  comfort,  mighty  God  ! 

Our  helper  and  our  friend; 
Nor  leave  us  in  this  dang'rous  road, 
Till  all  our  trials  end. 

3  O  may  our  .feet  pursue  the  way 

Our  pious  fathers  led : 
While  love  and  holy  zeal  obey 
The  counsels  of  the  dead. 

4  Let  us  be  wean'd  from  earthly  joys; 

Let  hope  our  grief  dispel : 
The  dead  in  Jesus  shall  arise, 
In  endless  bliss  to  dwell. 


relatives  or  friends.        299 
Hymn  445.  cm. 

On  the  Death  of  a  Young  Person. 

WHEN  blooming  youth  is  snatch' d  away 
By  death's  resistless  hand  :     ■ 
Our  hearts  the  mournful  tribute  pay, 
Which  pity  must  demand. 

While  pity  prompts  the  rising  sigh, 

O  may  this  truth,  impress' d 
With  awful  pow'r, — I  too  must  die, 

Sink  deep  in  ev'ry  breast. 

Let  this  vain  world  delude  no  more ; 

Behold  the  gaping  tomb : 
It  bids  us  seize  the  present  hour ; 

To-morrow  death  may  come. 

The  voice  of  this  alarming  scene 

May  ev'ry  heart  obey; 
Nor  be  the  heav'nly  warning  vain, 

Which  calls  to  watch  and  pray. 


L 


Hymn  446.  cm. 

On  the  Death  of  a  Child. 
IFE  is  a  span,  a  fleeting  hour ; 


How  soon  the  vapour  flies  ! 
Man  is  a  tender,  transient  flow'r, 
That  e'en  in  blooming  dies. 

2  Death  spreads  like  winter's  frozen  arms, 

And  beauty  smiles  no  more. 
Ah !  where  are  now  those  rising  charms, 
Which  pleas' d  our  eyes  before  ? 

3  The  once  lov'd  form,  now  cold  and  dead, 

Each  mournful  thought  employs ; 
And  nature  weeps  her  comforts  fled, 
And  wither' d  all  her  joys. 
36* 


300  ON    THE    DEATH    OF 

4  But  wait  the  interposing  gloom, 

And,  lo  !  stern  winter  flies ; 
And,  dress' d  in  beauty's  fairest  bloom, 
The  flow'ry  tribes  arise. 

5  Hope  looks  beyond  the  bounds  of  time, 

When  what  we  now  deplore 

Shall  rise  in  full  immortal  prime, 

And  bloom  to  fade  no  more. 

6  Then  cease,  fond  nature  !  cease  thy  tears ; 

Religion  points  on  high  : 
There  everlasting  spring  appears, 
And  joys  that  cannot  die. 

Hymn  447.  c.  m. 

1  ~^7""E  mourning  saints,  whose  streaming  tears 

JL    Flow  o'er  your  children  dead  : 
Say  not  in  transports  of  despair, 
That  all  your  hopes  are  fled. 

2  While,  cleaving  to  that  darling  dust, 

In  fond  distress  ye  lie; 
Rise,  and  with  joy  and  rev'rence  view 
A  heav'nly  Parent  nigh. 

3  "I'll  give  the  mourner,"  saith  the  Lord, 

"  In  mine  own  house  a  place ; 
No  names  of  daughters  and  of  sons 
Could  yield  so  high  a  grace. 

4  "Transient  and  vain  is  ev'ry  hope 

A  rising  race  can  give, 
In  endless  honour  and  delight, 
My  children  all  shall  live." 

5  We  welcome,  Lord !  those  rising  tears, 

Through  which  thy  face  we  see ; 
And  bless  those  wounds,  which,  through  our  hearts, 
Prepare  a  way  for  thee. 


relatives  or  friends.         301 
Hymn  448.  l.  m. 

On  the  Death  of  a  Parent. 

1  FT!  HOUGH  nature's  voice  you  must  obey, 

_I_     Think,  while  your  swelling  griefs  o'erflow, 
That  hand,  which  takes  your  joys  away, 
That  so v' reign  hand  can  heal  your  wo. 

2  And,  while  your  mournful  thoughts  deplore 

The  parent  gone,  remov'd  the  friend  ! 
With  hearts  resign1  d,  his  grace  adore, 
On  whom  your  nobler  hopes  depend. 

3  Does  he  not  bid  his  children  come 

Through  death's  dark  shades  to  realms  of  light  ? 
Yet,  when  he  calls  them  to  their  home 
Shall  fond  survivors  mourn  their  flight? 

4  His  word — here  let  your  souls  rely — 

Immortal  consolation  gives : 
Your  heav'nly  Father  cannot  die, 
Th'  eternal  Friend  for  ever  lives. 

5  O  be  that  best  of  friends  your  trust; 

On  his  almighty  arm  recline. 
He,  when  your  comforts  sink  in  dust, 
Can  give  you  comforts  more  divine. 

Hymn  449.  l.  m. 

The  Orphan's  Prayer. 

1  fV  HEAR  me,  Lord  !  on  thee  I  call, 
\J  And  prostrate  at  thy  footstool  fall ; 
Propitious  in  my  cause  appear, 

And  bow  to  my  request  thine  ear. 

2  Look  down,  my  only  hope !  look  down ; 
Behold  me,  but  without  a  frown  : 

And  ne'er  to  my  desiring  eye 

Thy  presence,  heav'nly  Lord  !  deny. 


302  FOR    THE    YOUNG 

3  O  let  me,  on  thine  aid  reclin'd, 
Thee  still  my  great  salvation  find ; 
Nor  leave  me,  helpless  and  forlorn, 
The  absence  of  thy  grace  to  mourn. 

4  Though,  doom'd  the  orphan's  lot  to  bear, 
No  father's  kind  concern  I  share, 

Nor  o'er  me  wakes  a  mother's  eye, 
My  wants  attentive  to  supply : — 

5  Adopted  by  thy  care,  in  thee 
The  Parent  and  the  Friend  I  see ; 
And,  nourish' d  by  thy  fost' ring  hand, 
Within  thy  courts  secure  I  stand. 


8.    FOR    THE    YOUNG    AND    OLD. 

Hymn  450.  l.  m. 

Youth  instructed. 

1  £^\  HILDREN,  in  years  and  knowledge  young, 
Vy    Your  parents'  hope,  your  parents'  joy  ! 
Attend  the  counsels  of  my  tongue : 

Let  pious  thoughts  your  minds  employ. 

2  If  you  desire  a  length  of  days, 

And  peace  to  crown  your  mortal  state : 
Restrain  your  feet  from  wicked  ways, 
Your  lips  from  slander  and  deceit. 

3  The  eyes  of  God  regard  his  saints ; 

His  ears  are  open  to  their  cries : 
He  sets  his  frowning  face  against 
The  sons  of  violence  and  lies. 

4  To  humble  souls  and  broken  hearts, 

God  with  his  grace  is  ever  nigh : 
Pardon  and  hope  his  love  imparts, 
When  men  in  deep  contrition  lie. 


AND    OLD.  303 

Hymn  451.  c.  m. 

1  ~T~|  APPY  is  he,  whose  early  years 
XJL  Receive  instruction  well ; 

Who  hates  the  sinner  s  path,  and  fears 
The  road  that  leads  to  hell. 

2  'Tis  easier  work,  if  we  begin 

To  serve  the  Lord  betimes ; 
While  sinners,  who  grow  old  in  sin, 
Are  harden'd  by  their  crimes. 

3  It  saves  us  from  a  thousand  snares, 

To  mind  religion  young : 
With  joy  it  crowns  succeeding  years, 
And  makes  our  virtue  strong. 

4  To  thee,  almighty  God  !  to  thee 

Our  hearts  we  now  resign : 
'Twill  please  us,  to  look  back  and  see, 
That  our  whole  lives  were  thine ! 

5  Let  the  sweet  work  of  pray'r  and  praise 

Employ  our  daily  breath  : 
Thus  we're  prepar'd  for  future  days, 
Or  fit  for  early  death. 

Hymn  452.  l.  m. 

1  IVrOW,  in  the  heat  of  youthful  blood, 
_LA    Remember  your  Creator,  God. 
Behold,  the  months  come  hast:ning  on, 
When  you  shall  say,  "my  joys  are  gone." 

2  God  from  on  high  beholds  your  thoughts; 
His  book  records  your  secret  faults : 
The  works  of  darkness  men  have  done 
Must  all  appear  before  the  sun. 

3  Behold,  the  aged  sinner  goes, 
Laden  with  guilt  and  heavy  woes, 


304  FOR    THE    YOUNG 

Down  to  the  regions  of  the  dead, 
With  bitt'rest  curses  on  his  head. 

4  The  dust  returns  to  dust  again ; 
The  soul,  in  agonies  of  pain, 
Ascends  to  God,  not  there  to  dwell, 
But  hears  her  doom,  and  sinks  to  hell. 

5  God  of  the  young!  turn  off  their  eyes 
From  earth's  alluring  vanities; 

And  let  the  warnings  of  thy  word 
Awake  their  souls  to  fear  the  Lord ! 

Hymn  453.  s.  m. 

1  VXTITH  humble  heart  and  tongue, 

If      My  God !  to  thee  I  pray : 

O  let  me  learn,  whilst  I  am  young, 

How  I  may  cleanse  my  way. 

2  Make  an  unguarded  youth 

The  object  of  thy  care ; 
Help  me  to  choose  the  path  of  truth, 
And  fly  from  ev'ry  snare. 

3  My  heart,  to  folly  prone, 

Inspire  with  love  divine ; 
Unite  it  to  thyself  alone, 
And  make  me  wholly  thine. 

4  O  let  thy  word  of  grace 

My  warmest  thoughts  employ ; 
Be  this,  through  all  my  following  days, 
My  treasure  and  my  joy. 

5  To  what  thy  laws  impart 

Be  my  whole  will  inclin'd; 
O  let  them  dwell  within  my  heart, 
And  sanctify  my  mind. 

6  May  thy  young  servant  learn, 

By  these  to  cleanse  his  way ; 


AND    OLD.  305 

And  may  I  here  the  path  discern 
That  leads  to  endless  day. 

Hymn  454.  c.  m. 

Prayer  of  the  Aged. 

1  1%/TY  God,  my  everlasting  hope  ! 
_LTJl  I  live  upon  thy  truth ; 

Thy  hands  have  held  my  childhood  up, 
And  strengthen' d  all  my  youth. 

2  My  frame  was  fashion'd  by  thy  pow'r, 

And  shows  thy  skill  divine; 
And  from  my  mother's  painful  hour, 
I've  been  entirely  thine. 

3  Still  has  my  life  new  wonders  seen, 

In  each  revolving  year : 
Behold,  my  days  that  yet  remain, 
I  trust  them  to  thy  care. 

4  Cast  me  not  oh;  when  strength  declines, 

When  hoary  hairs  arise  : 
And  round  me  let  thy  glory  shine, 
Whene'er  thy  servant  dies. 

Hymn  455.  c.  m. 

1  T^  TERNAL  Sire,  enthron'd  on  high! 
jUl    Whom  heav'nly  hosts  adore, 
Who  yet  to  suppliant  dust  art  nigh  : 

Thy  presence  I  implore. 

2  Wilt  thou  forsake  my  hoary  hairs, 

And  leave  my  fainting  heart  1 
Who  shall  sustain  my  sinking  years, 
If  God,  my  strength,  depart  1 

3  O  guide  me  down  the  steep  of  age, 

And  keep  my  passions  cool; 


306  THE    TROUBLES    OF    LIFE. 

Teach  me  to  scan  the  sacred  page, 
And  practise  ev'ry  rule. 

4  Let  me  thy  pow'r  and  truth  proclaim 

To  the  surviving  age: 
And  leave  a  savour  of  thy  name, 
When  I  shall  quit  the  stage. 

5  That  solemn  day  is  hast'ning  on; 

My  frame  must  soon  decay. 
My  friends,  my  youth's  companions  gone, 
Can  I  expect  to  stay  ? 

6  My  God !  O  smooth    the  mortal  hour ; 

On  thee  my  hope  depends. 
Support  me  with  almighty  pow'r, 
While  dust  to  dust  descends. 

7  Then  let  my  soul,  O  gracious  God  ! 

Ascend  to  realms  of  day ; 
And  in  that  sacred  blest  abode 
Its  endless  anthems  pay. 


XXVI 

THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE. 


Hymn  456.  p.  m.  ?s. 

1  Wy  RAISE  to  God,  immortal  praise 
JL     For  the  love  that  crowns  our  days; 
Bounteous  source  of  ev'ry  joy ! 

Let  thy  praise  our  tongues  employ. 

2  All,  that  spring,  with  bounteous  hand, 
Scatters  o'er  the  smiling  land; 

All,  that  lib'ral  autumn  pours 
From  her  rich  o'erflowing  stores: 


THE    TROUBLES    OF    LIFE.  307 

These  to  thee,  our  God  !  we  owe. 
Source  whence  all  our  blessings  flow  ! 
And  for  these  our  souls  shall  raise 
Grateful  vows  and  solemn  praise. 

Yet  should  rising  whirlwinds  tear 
From  its  stem  the  rip'ning  ear; 
Should  the  fig-tree's  blasted  shoot 
Drop  her  green  untimely  fruit : 

Should  the  vine  put  forth  no  more, 
Nor  the  olive  yield  her  store : 
Though  the  sick'ning  flocks  should  fall ; 
And  the  herds  desert  the  stall : 

Should  thine  alter' d  hand  restrain 
Vernal  show'rs  and  latter  rains 
Blast  each  op'ning  bud  of  joy, 
And  the  rising  year  destroy : 

Yet  to  thee  our  souls  shall  raise 
Grateful  vows  and  solemn  praise ; 
And,  when  ev'ry  blessing's  flown, 
Love  thee — for  thyself  alone ! 

Hymn  457.  s.  m. 

1  4S  various  as  the  moon 
-±\.  Is  man's  estate  below  : 

To  his  bright  day  of  gladness  soon 
Succeeds  a  night  of  wo. 

2  The  night  of  wo  resigns 

Its  darkness  and  its  grief; 
Again  the  morn  of  comfort  shines, 
And  brings  our  souls  relief. 

3  Yet  not  from  fickle  chance 

These  varying  scenes  arise  : 
Our  dark  and  brighter  hours  advance, 
By  laws  supremely  wise. 
27 


308  THE    TROUBLES    OF    LIFE. 

4  God  measures  out  to  all 

Their  lot  of  good  and  ill ; 
Nor  this  too  great,  nor  that  too  small, 
Ordain'd  by  heav'n's  high  will. 

5  Hopeful  and  humble  bear 

Thy  evil  and  thy  good ; 
Nor  by  presumption,  nor  despair, 
Weak  mortal,  be  subdu'd. 

HYMN   458.    P.  M.    7s. 

1  "pROVIDENCE,  profusely  kind, 
XT     Wheresoe'er  you  turn  your  eyes, 
Bids  you  with  a  grateful  mind 

View  a  thousand  blessings  rise. 

2  Thankful  own  what  you  enjoy : 

But  a  changing  world  like  this, 
Where  a  thousand  fears  annoy, 
Cannot  give  you  perfect  bliss. 

3  Perfect  bliss  resides  above, 

Far  above  yon  azure  sky; 

Bliss,  that  merits  all  your  love, 

Merits  ev'ry  anxious  sigh. 

4  What  like  this  Las  earth  to  give  ? 

O  ye  righteous !  in  your  breast 
Let  the  admonition  live, 
Nor  on  earth  desire  to  rest. 

5  When  your  bosom  heaves  a  sigh, 

Or  your  eye  emits  a  tear, 
Let  your  wishes  rise  on  high, 
Ardent  rise  to  bliss  sincere. 


1  TTOV 
11  Is 


Hymn  459.  s.  m. 

OW  gracious  and  how  wise 
our  chastising  God ! 


THE    TROUBLES    OF    LIFE.  309 

And,  O  !  how  rich  the  blessings  are, 
Tli at  blossom  from  his  rod  ! 

2  He  lifts  it  up  on  high, 

With  pity  in  his  heart; 
That  ev:ry  stroke  his  children  feel 
May  grace  and  peace  impart. 

3  Instructed  thus,  they  bow 

And  own  his  sov  reign  sway; 
They  turn  their  erring  footsteps  back 
To  his  forsaken  way. 

4  His  cov'nant  love  they  seek, 

And  seek  the  happy  bands 
That  closer  still  engage  their  hearts, 
To  honour  his  commands. 

5  Submissive,  Lord  !  we  yield 

To  discipline  divine, 
And  bless  the  pains  that  make  us  still 
More  uniformly  thine. 

Hymn  460.  l.  m. 

1  T^  ATHER  !  I  bless  thy  gentle  hand  : 
_I7  How  kind  was  thy  chastising  rod, 
That  forc'd  my  conscience  to  a  stand, 

And  brought  my  wand' ring  soul  to  God ! 

2  Foolish  and  vain  I  went  astray, 

Ere  I  had  felt  thy  scourges,  Lord ! 
I  left  my  guide,  and  lost  my  way ; 
But  now  I  love  and  keep  thy  word. 

3  'Tis  good  for  me  to  wear  the  yoke, 

For  pride  is  apt  to  rise  and  swell ; 
'Tis  good  to  bear  my  Father's  stroke, 
That  I  might  learn  his  statutes  well. 

4  The  law,  that  issues  from  thy  mouth, 

Shall  raise  my  cheerful  passions  more 


310  THE   TROUBLES    OF    LIFE. 

Than  all  the  treasures  of  the  south, 
Or  western  hills  of  golden  ore. 

5  Thy  hands  have  made  my  mortal  frame, 

Thy  spirit  form'd  my  soul  within : 
Teach  me  to  know  thy  wondrous  name, 
And  guard  me  safe  from  death  and  sin. 

6  Then  all,  that  love  and  fear  the  Lord, 

At  my  salvation  shall  rejoice; 
For  I  have  trusted  in  thy  word, 

And  made  thy  grace  mine  only  choice. 

Hymn  461.  l.  m. 

1  TTOW  well  our  great  Preserver  knows, 
J-  JL  To  weigh  and  to  relieve  our  woes ! 
Behold  his  wrath's  avenging  blast, 

How  slow  to  rise,  how  soon  o'erpast ! 

2  How  prompt  his  favour  to  dispense 
Its  life-imparting  influence ! 

How  speedy  his  paternal  love 
Our  deep  afflictions  to  remove  ! 

3  Grief  for  a  night,  obtrusive  guest, 
Beneath  our  roof  perhaps  may  rest ; 
But  joy,  with  the  returning  day, 
Shall  wipe  each  transient  tear  away. 

4  With  what  delight,  great  God,  I  trace 
The  acts  of  thy  stupendous  grace  ! 
To  count  them,  were  to  count  the  sand 
That  lies  upon  the  sea-beat  strand. 

.    Hymn  462.  c.  m. 

1   l^TAKED  as  from  the  earth  we  came 
J_  II    And  crept  to  life  at  first, 
We  to  the  earth  return  again, 
And  mingle  with  our  dust. 


THE    TROUBLES    OF    LIFE.  311 

2  'Tis  God,  who  lifts  our  comforts  high, 

Or  sinks  them  in  the  grave. 
He  gives ;  and,  blessed  be  his  name, 
He  takes  but  what  he  gave. 

3  Peace,  all  our  angry  passions  then ; 

Let  each  rebellious  sigh 

Be  silent  at  his  sov' reign  will, 

And  ev'ry  murmur  die. 

4  If  smiling  mercy  crown  our  lives, 

Its  praises  shall  be  spread; 
Nor  will  we  call  unjust  the  hand, 
That  strikes  our  comforts  dead. 

Hymn  463.  l.  m. 

1  TJIHE  darken'd  sky,  how  thick  it  low'rs  ! 

_I_     Troubled  with  storms,  and  big  with  show'rs; 
No  cheerful  gleam  of  light  appears, 
But  nature  pours  forth  all  her  tears. 

2  Yet  let  the  sons  of  grace  revive  : 

God  bids  the  soul,  that  seeks  him,  live ; 
And,  from  the  gloomiest  shade  of  night, 
Calls  forth  a  morning  of  delight. 

3  The  seeds  of  ecstecy  unknown 
Are  in  these  wa;er'd  farrows  sown. 

See  the  green  blades,  how  thick  they  rise, 
And  with  fresh  verdure  bless  our  eyes  ! 

4  In  secret  foldings  they  contain 
Unnumberd  ears  of  golden  grain; 

And  heav'n  shall  pour  its  beams  around, 
Till  the  ripe  harvest  load  the  ground. 

5  Then  shall  the  trembling  mourner  come, 
And  find  his  sheaves  and  bring  them  home ; 
The  voice,  long  broke  with  sighs,  shall  sing, 
Till  heav'n  with  hallelujahs  ring. 

27* 


312        THE    TROUBLES    OF    LIFE. 

Hymn  464.  l.  m. 

1  IVXY  God,  whose  all-pervading  eye 
_LTJL  Views  earth  beneath,  and  heav'n  above 
Witness,  if  here  or  there  thou  seest 

An  object  of  mine  equal  love. 

2  Not  the  gay  scenes,  where  mortal  men 

Pursue  their  bliss  and  find  their  wo, 
Detain  my  rising  heart,  which  springs 
The  nobler  joys  of  heav'n  to  view. 

3  Fix'd  near  th'  immortal  seat  of  bliss, 

Dauntless,  and  joyous,  it  surveys 
Each  form  of  horror  and  distress, 
That  all  its  deadliest  foes  can  raise. 

4  This  feeble  flesh  shall  faint  and  die, 

This  heart  renew  its  pulse  no  more ; 
E'en  now  it  views  the  moment  nigh, 

When  life's  last  movements  all  are  o'er. 

5  But  come,  thou  vanquish'd  King  of  dread! 

With  thine  own  hand  thy  pow'r  destroy. 
'Tis  thine  to  bear  me  to  my  God, 
My  portion,  my  eternal  joy. 

Hymn  465.  c.  m. 

1  fW\  HE  evils  that  beset  our  path, 

JL     Who  can  prevent  or  cure  ? 

We  stand  upon  the  brink  of  death. 

When  most  we  seem  secure. 

2  If  we  to-day  sweet  peace  possess, 

It  soon  must  be  withdrawn ; 
Some  change  may  plunge  us  in  distress, 
Before  to-morrow's  dawn. 

3  Disease  and  pain  invade  our  health, 

And  find  an  easy  prey; 


THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE.  313 

And  oft,  when  least  expected,  wealth 
Takes  wings  and  flies  away. 

4  Since  sin  has  fill'd  the  world  with  wo, 
And  creatures  fade  and  die ; 
Lord !  wean  our  hearts  from  things  below, 
And  fix  our  hopes  on  high ! 

Hymn  466.  l.  m. 

1  "1X7~EARY  of  these  low  scenes  of  night, 

Tf      My  fainting  heart  grows  sick  of  time, 
Sighs  for  the  dawn  of  sweet  delight, 
Sighs  for  a  distant,  happier  clime. 

2  Tis  just,  'tis  right:  thus  he  ordains. 

Who  form'd  this  animated  clod; 
That  needful  cares,  instructive  pains, 
May  bring  the  restless  heart  to  God. 

3  In  him,  my  soul !  behold  thy  rest ; 

Nor  hope  for  bliss  below  the  sky. 
Come,  resignation,  to  my  breast, 
And  silence  ey'ry  plaintive  sigh. 

4  Then  cheerful  shall  my  heart  survey 

The  toils  and  dangers  of  the  road ; 
And  patient  keep  the  heav'nly  way, 

Which  leads  me  homeward  to  my  God. 

Hymn  467.  c.  m. 

i   r^  REAT  Ruler  of  all  nature's  frame, 
VX  We  own  thy  pow'r  divine; 
We  hear  thy  breath  in  ev'ry  storm, 
For  all  the  winds  are  thine. 

2  Wide  as  they  sweep  their  sounding  way, 
They  work  thy  sov' reign  will; 
And,  aw'd  by  thy  majestic  voice, 
Confusion  shall  be  still. 


314  THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE. 

3  Thy  mercy  tempers  ev'ry  blast 

To  those  who  seek  thy  face; 
And  mingles  with  the  tempest's  roar, 
The  whispers  of  thy  grace. 

4  Let  me  those  gentle  whispers  hear, 

Till  all  the  tumult  cease; 
Sleep  in  thine  arms,  and  wake  in  realms 
Of  everlasting  peace ! 

Hymn  468.  l.  m. 

1  "]%/J"Y  God,  my.  hope  !  if  thou  art  mine, 

_LT JL  Why  should  my  soul  with  sorrow  pine  ? 
On  thee  alone  I  cast  my  care : 
O  leave  me  not  in  dark  despair. 

2  Though  ev'ry  comfort  should  depart, 
And  life  forsake  this  drooping  heart ; 
One  smile  from  thee,  one  blissful  ray, 
Can  chase  the  shades  of  death  away. 

3  My  God,  my  life !  if  thou  appear, 
Not  death  itself  can  make  me  fear. 
Thy  presence  cheers  the  sable  gloom, 
And  gilds  the  horrors  of  the  tomb. 

4  Not  all  its  horrors  can  affright, 

If  thou  appear,  my  God,  my  light ! 
Thy  love  shall  all  my  fears  control, 
And  glory  dawn  around  my  soul. 


Hymn  469.  l.  m. 

SHOULD  famine  o'er  the  mourning  field 
Extend  her  desolating  reign, 
Nor  spring  her  blooming  beauties  yield, 
Nor  autumn  swell  the  fruitful  grain ; 


THE  TROUBLES  OF  LIFE.  315 

2  Should  lowing  herds  and  bleating  sheep, 

Around  their  famish  <1  master  die; 
And  hope  itself  despairing  weep, 
While  life  deplores  its  last  supply : 

3  Amid  the  dark,  the  deathful  scene, 

If  I  can  say,  the  Lord  is  mine ! 
The  joy  shall  triumph  o'er  the  pain, 
And  glory  dawn,  though  life  decline. 

4  The  God  of  my  salvation  lives; 

My  nobler  life  he  will  sustain; 
His  word  immortal  vigour  gives, 

Nor  shall  my  glorious  hopes  be  vain. 

5  Thy  presence,  Lord,  can  cheer  my  heart, 

Though  ev'ry  earthly  comfort  die ; 
Thy  smile  can  bid  my  pains  depart, 
And  raise  my  sacred  pleasures  high. 

6  O  let  me  hear  thy  blissful  voice, 

Inspiring  life  and  joys  divine  ! 

The  barren  desert  shall  rejoice ; 

;Tis  paradise,  if  thou  art  mine. 


Hymn  470.  s.  m. 


L 


What  various  woes  we  feel ! 
Diseases,  pains,  and  doubts,  and  fears, 
Surround  thy  children  still. 

What  dangers  fill  the  road  ! 

What  storms  and  tempests  roar ! 
But  we  march  onward  to  our  God, 

And  trust  his  guardian  pow'r. 

No  lasting  comforts  found 
Through  this  long  wilderness : 

But  when  we  reach  the  heav'nly  ground, 
Pleasures  shall  never  cease. 


316  DEATH. 

4  Support  us  in  the  way, 

Lord  !  let  our  faith  be  strong ; 
Direct  our  footsteps,  lest  we  stray, 
And  guard  our  souls  along. 

5  Death  shall  convey  us  home  ; 

Thither  our  hearts  aspire  : 
There  no  disease  shall  ever  come, 
But  joy  shall  be  entire. 

Hymn  471.  l.  m. 

1  f  1 1 HOU,  Lord,  through  ev'ry  changing  scene, 

JL     Hast  to  thy  saints  a  refuge  been : 
Through  ev'ry  age,  eternal  God, 
Their  pleasing  home,  their  safe  abode. 

2  Lo,  we  are  ris'n,  a  feeble  race, 
Awhile  to  fill  our  fathers'  place  : 
Our  helpless  state  with  pity  view, 
And  let  us  share  their  refuge  too. 

3  Through  all  the  thorny  paths  we  trace 
In  this  uncertain  wilderness, 

When  friends  desert,  and  foes  invade, 
Revive  our  heart  and  guard  our  head. 

4  So,  when  this  pilgrimage  is  o'er, 
And  we  shall  dwell  in  flesh  no  more, 
To  thee  our  sep'rate  souls  shall  come, 
And  find  in  thee  a  surer  home. 


XXVII 

DEATH. 


H 


Hymn  472.  c.  m. 

ARK !  from  the  tombs  a  doleful  sound  J 
My  ears  attend  the  cry : 


DEATH.  317 


"Ye  living  men,  come,  view  the  ground, 
Where  you  must  shortly  lie. 

2  "  Princes,  this  clay  must  be  your  bed, 

In  spite  of  all  your  towers ! 
The  tall,  the  wise,  the  rev' rend  head, 
Must  lie  as  low  as  ours." 

3  Great  God  !  is  this  our  certain  doom  ? 

And  are  we  still  secure  1 
Still  walking  downward  to  the  tomb, 
And  yet  prepare  no  more  ! 

4  Grant  us  the  pow'r  of  quick' ning  grace, 

To  fit  our  souls  to  fly : 
Then,  when  we  drop  this  dying  flesh, 
We'll  rise  above  the  sky. 


T 


Hymn  473.  c.  m. 

EACH  me  the  measure  of  my  days, 
Thou  Maker  of  my  frame  ! 
I  would  survey  life's  narrow  space, 
And  learn  how  frail  I  am. 

2  A  span  is  all  that  we  can  boast ; 

A  fleeting  hour  of  time. 
Man  is  but  vanity  and  dust, 
In  all  his  flow'r  and  prime. 

3  See  the  vain  race  of  mortals  move, 

Like  shadows  o'er  the  plain  : 
They  rage  and  strive,  desire  and  love, 
But  all  the  noise  is  vain. 

4  Some  walk  in  honour's  gaudy  show ; 

Some  dig  for  golden  ore ; 
They  toil  for  heirs  they  know  not  who, 
Aiid  straight  are  seen  no  more. 


318  DEATH. 

5  What  should  I  wish  or  wait  for  then, 

From  creatures,  earth  and  dust? 
They  make  our  expectations  vain, 
And  disappoint  our  trust. 

6  Now  I  resign  my  earthly  hope, 

My  fond  desires  recall ; 
I  give  my  mortal  int'rest  up, 
And  make  my  God  my  all. 

Hymn  474.  c.  m. 

1  fTl  HEE  we  adore,  eternal  Name ! 

JL     And  humbly  own  to  thee, 

How  feeble  is  our  mortal  frame, 

What  dying  worms  are  we. 

2  Our  wasting  lives  are  short' ning  still, 

As  months  and  days  increase ; 
And  ev'ry  beating  pulse  we  tell 
Leaves  but  the  number  less. 

3  Dangers  stand  thick  through  all  the  ground, 

To  push  us  to  the  tomb ; 
And  fierce  diseases  wait  around, 
To  hurry  mortals  home. 

4  Good  God !  on  what  a  slender  thread, 

Hang  everlasting  things ! 
Th'  eternal  states  of  all  the  dead, 
Upon  life's  feeble  strings. 

5  Yet  while  a  world  of  joy  or  wo 

Depends  on  ev'ry  breath, 
Thoughtless  and  unconcern'd  we  go 
Upon  the  brink  of  death. 

6  Waken,  O  Lord !  our  drowsy  sense, 

To  walk  this  dang'rous  road ; 

And  if  our  souls  are  hurried  hence, 

May  they  be  found  with  God ! 


DEATH.  319 

Hymn  475.  l.  m. 

1  r  ■  1  HAT  awful  hour  will  soon  appear, 

_I_     Swift  on  the  wings  of  time  it  flies, 
When  all  that  pains  or  pleases  here, 
Will  vanish  from  my  closing  eyes, 

2  Death  calls  my  friends,  my  neighbours  hence, 

And  none  resist  the  fatal  dart. 
Continual  warnings  strike  my  sense : 
And  shall  they  fail  to  strike  my  heart  ? 

3  Think,  O  my  soul !  how  much  depends 

On  the  short  period  of  to-day : 
Shall  time,  which  heav'n  in  mercy  lends, 
Be  negligently  thrown  away  % 

4  Thy  remnant  minutes  strive  to  use ; 

Awake,  rouse  ev:ry  active  pow'r; 
And  not  in  dreams  and  trifles  lose 
This  little,  this  important  hour ! 

5  Lord  of  my  life,  inspire  my  heart 

With  heav'nly  ardour,  grace  divine; 
Nor  let  thy  presence  e:er  depart, 

For  strength,  and  life,  and  death  are  thine. 

6  O  teach  me  the  celestial  skill, 

Each  awful  warning  to  improve ; 
And,  while  my  days  are  short' ning  still, 
Prepare  me  for  the  joys  above  ! 

Hymn  476.  s.  m. 

1  TTOW  swift  the  torrent  rolls, 
J-  J-  That  bears  us  to  the  sea  ! 

The  tide  that  bears  our  thoughtless  souls 
To  vast  eternity ! 

2  Our  fathers,  where  are  they, 

With  all  they  calfd  their  own? 
28 


320  DEATH. 

Their  joys  and  griefs,  and  hopes  and  cares, 
And  wealth  and  honour,  gone. 

3  There,  where  the  fathers  lie, 

Must  all  the  children  dwell ; 
Nor  other  heritage  possess, 
But  such  a  gloomy  cell. 

4  God  of  our  fathers  !  hear, 

Thou  everlasting  Friend ! 
While  we,  as  on  life's  utmost  verge, 
Our  souls  to  thee  commend. 

5  Of  all  the  pious  dead 

May  we  the  footsteps  trace ; 
Till  with  them,  in  the  land  of  light, 
We  dwell  before  thy  face. 

Hymn  477.  l.  m. 

1  TT>  EHOLD  the  path  which  mortals  tread 
JO   Down  to  the  regions  of  the  dead ! 
Nor  will  the  fleeting  moments  stay, 

Nor  can  we  measure  back  our  way. 

2  Our  kindred  and  our  friends  are  gone ; 
Know,  O  my  soul,  this  doom  thine  own. 
Feeble  as  theirs  thy  mortal  frame, 
The  same  thy  way,  thy  home  the  same. 

3  From  vital  air,  from  cheerful  light, 
To  the  cold  grave's  perpetual  night, — 
From  scenes  of  duty,  means  of  grace, 
Must  I  to  God's  tribunal  pass ! 

4  Awake  my  soul !  thy  way  prepare, 
And  lose  in  this  each  meaner  care ; 
With  steady  feet  that  path  be  trod, 
Which,  through  the  grave,  conducts  to  God. 


DEATH.  321 

5  Father  !  to  thee  my  all  I  trust ; 
And.  if  mv  flesh  return  to  dust, 
!Tis  thy  decree,  I  bless  thy  hand, 
And  die  resign' d  to  thy  command. 

Hymn  478.  l.  m. 

1  /^1  OD  of  eternity  !  from  thee 
vX  Did  infant  time  his  being  draw ; 
Moments  and  days,  and  months  and  years, 

Revolve,  by  thine  unvary'd  law. 

2  Silent  and  slow  they  glide  away ; 

Steady  and  strong  the  current  flows; 
Lost  in  eternity's  wide  sea, 

The  boundless  gulf  from  which  it  rose. 

3  Thoughtless  and  vain,  our  mortal  race 

Along  the  mighty  stream  are  borne 
On  to  their  everlasting  home, — 

That  country  whence  there's  no  return. 

4  Yet  while  the  shore  on  either  side 

Presents  a  gaudy  flatt'ring  show, 
We  gaze,  in  fond  amazement  lost, 
Nor  think  to  what  a  world  we  go. 

5  Great  source  of  wisdom  !  teach  my  heart 

To  know  the  price  of  ev'ry  hour: 
That  time  may  bear  me  on  to  joys 
Beyond  its  measure  and  its  pow'r. 

Hymn  479.  s.  m. 

1    r  ■  1  HE  swift  declining  day 
JL     How  fast  its  moments  fly  ? 
While  ev rung's  broad  and  gloomy  shade 
Spreads  o'er  the  western  sky. 


322  DEATH. 

2  Ye  mortals !  mark  its  pace ; 

Improve  the  hours  of  light; 
And  know,  your  Maker  can  command 
An  instantaneous  night. 

3  His  word  blots  out  the  sun 

In  its  meridian  blaze, 
And  cuts  from  smiling,  vig'rous  youth 
The  remnant  of  its  days. 

4  On  the  dark  mountain's  brow 

Your  feet  shall  quickly  slide ; 
And  from  its  airy  summit  dash 
Your  momentary  pride. 

5  Give  glory  to  the  Lord, 

Who  rules  the  rolling  sphere ; 
Submissive  at  his  footstool  bow, 
And  seek  salvation  there. 

6  One  thing  demands  your  care : 

O  be  it  still  pursu'd  ! 
Lest,  slighted  once,  the  season  fair 
Should  never  be  renew' d. 


Hymn  480.  s.  m. 


JL     Lodg'd  in  thy  sov' reign  hand,' 

And  if  its  sun  arise  and  shine, 

It  shines  by  thy  command. 

2  Our  moments  fly  apace, 

Nor  will  a  minute  stay : 
Just  like  a  flood  our  hasty  days 
Are  sweeping  us  away. 

3  Well,  if  our  days  must  fly, 

We'll  keep  their  end  in  sight; 
We'll  spend  them  all  in  wisdom's  way, 
And  let  them  speed  their  flight. 


DEATH.  323 

4  They'll  waft  us  sooner  o'er 
This  life's  tempestuous  sea  : 
Soon  we  shall  reach  the  peaceful  shore 
Of  blest  eternity. 

Hymn  481.  l.  m. 

1  r¥lHE  morning  flow' rs  display  their  sweets, 

JL     And  gay  their  silken  leaves  unfold, 
As  careless  of  the  noon-day  heats, 
And  fearless  of  the  ev'ning  cold. 

2  Nipp'd  by  the  wind's  untimely  blast, 

Parch' d  by  the  sun's  directer  ray, 
The  momentary  glories  waste, 
The  short-livd  beauties  die  away. 

3  So  blooms  the  human  face  divine, 

When  youth  its  pride  and  beauty  shows; 
Fairer  than  spring  the  colours  shine, 
And  sweeter  than  the  virgin  rose. 

4  Or  worn  by  slowly  rolling  years, 

Or  broke  by  sickness  in  a  day, 
The  fading  glory  disappears, 

The  short-liv'd  beauties  die  away. 

5  Yet  these,  new-rising  from  the  tomb, 

With  lustre  brighter  far  shall  shine; 
Revive  with  ever-during  bloom, 
Safe  from  diseases  and  decline. 

6  Let  sickness  blast  and  death  devour, 

If  heav'n  must  recompense  our  pains  - 
Perish  the  grass,  and  fade  the  flow'r, 
If  firm  the  word  of  God  remains. 

Hymn  482.  c.  m. 

1   f~\^^  G°d  •  our  help  in  ages  past, 
V>J  Our  hope  for  years  to  come, 

28* 


324  DEATH. 

Our  shelter  from  the  stormy  blast. 
And  our  eternal  home  ! 

2  Before  the  hills  in  order  stood, 

Or  earth  receiv'd  her  frame, 
From  everlasting  thou  art  God, 
To  endless  years  the  same ! 

3  Thy  word  commands  our  flesh  to  dust, 

"Return,  ye  sons  of  men." 
All  nations  rose  from  earth  at  first, 
And  turn  to  earth  again. 

4  The  busy  tribes  of  flesh  and  blood, 

With  all  their  hopes  and  fears, 
Are  carried  downwards  by  the  flood, 
And  lost  in  foil' wing  years. 

5  Our  God !  our  help  in  ages  past, 

Our  hope  for  years  to  come  ! 
Be  thou  our  guard,  while  troubles  last, 
And  our  eternal  home. 


L 


Hymn  483.  c.  m. 

ORD  !  we  adore  thy  wondrous  name ; 
And  make  that  name  our  trust, 
Which  rais'd  at  first  this  curious  frame 
From  mean  and  lifeless  dust. 

2  Awhile  these  frail  machines  endure, 

The  fabric  of  a  day ; 
Then,  know  their  vital  pow'rs  no  more, 
But  moulder  back  to  clay. 

3  Yet,  Lord !  whate'er  is  felt  or  fear'd, 

This  thought  is  our  repose, 
That  he,  by  whom  our  frame  was  rear'd. 
Its  various  frailties  knows. 

4  Thou  view' st  us  with  a  pitying  eye, 

While  struggling  with  our  load ; 


DEATH.  325 


In  pains  and  dangers  thou  art  nigh, 
Our  Father,  and  our  God. 

Gently  supported  by  thy  love, 
We  tend  to  realms  of  peace; 

Where  ev'ry  pain  shall  far  remove, 
And  ev'ry  weakness  cease. 


B 


Hymn  484.  s.  m. 

EHOLD  the  gloomy  vale, 
Which  thou,  my  soul,  must  tread, 
Beset  with  terrors  fierce  and  pale, 
That  leads  thee  to  the  dead. 

Ye  pleasing  scenes,  adieu  ! 

Which  I  so  long  have  known. 
My  friends,  a  long  farewell  to  you ! 

For  I  must  pass  alone. 

But  see !  a  ray  of  light, 

With  splendours  all  divine, 
Breaks  through  these  dreary  realms  of  night, 

And  makes  its  horrors  shine. 

Where  death,  where  darkness  reigns, 

Jehovah  is  my  stay  : 
His  rod  my  trembling  feet  sustains, 

His  staff  defends  my  way. 

Great  Shepherd  !  lead  me  on ; 

My  soul  disdains  to  fear. 
Death's  gloomy  phantoms  all  are  flown, 

Now  life's  great  Lord  is  near. 

Hymn  485.  c.  m. 

HOW  still  and  peaceful  is  the  grave ! 
Where,  life's  vain  tumults  past, 
Th'  appointed  house,  by  heav'n's  decree. 
Receives  us  all  at  last. 


326  DEATH. 

2  The  wicked  there  from  troubling  cease ; 

There  passions  rage  no  more ; 
And  there  the  weary  pilgrim  rests 
From  all  the  toils  he  bore. 

3  There  rest  the  pris'ners,  now  releas'd 

From  slav'ry's  sad  abode ; 
No  more  they  hear  th'  oppressor's  voice, 
Or  dread  the  tyrant's  rod. 

4  There,  servants,  masters,  small  and  great,. 

Partake  the  same  repose : 
And  there,  in  peace,  the  ashes  mix 
Of  those  who  once  were  foes. 

5  All,  levell'd  by  the  hand  of  death, 

Lie  sleeping  in  the  tomb ; 
Till  God,  in  judgment,  call  them  forth, 
To  meet  their  righteous  doom. 

Hymn  486.  c.  m. 

1  \  WAKE,  ye  saints  !  and  raise  your  eyes, 
-LjL  And  raise  your  voices  high  : 
Awake,  and  praise  your  Maker's  love, 

Which  shows  salvation  nigh. 

2  Swift  on  the  wings  of  time  it  flies ; 

Each  moment  brings  it  near : 

Then  welcome  each  declining  day, 

Welcome  each  closing  year  ! 

3  Not  many  years  their  round  shall  run, 

Nor  many  mornings  rise, 
Ere  all  its  glories  stand  reveal' d 
To  our  admiring  eyes. 

4  Ye  wheels  of  nature  !  speed  your  course) 

Ye  mortal  pow'rs  !  decay  : 
Sure  as  ye  bring  the  night  of  death, 
Ye  bring  eternal  day. 


DEATH.  327 

Hymn  487.  c.  m. 

1  T"¥7"HILE  to  the  grave  our  friends  are  borne, 

▼  ▼      Around  their  cold  remains 
How  all  the  tender  passions  mourn, 

And  each  fond  heart  complains  ! 

2  But  down  to  earth,  alas  !  in  vain 

We  bend  our  weeping  eyes. 
Ah  !  let  us  leave  these  seats  of  pain, 
And  upwards  learn  to  rise. 

3  Hope  cheerful  smiles  amid  the  gloom, 

And  beams  a  healing  ray ; 
And  guides  us  from  the  darksome  tomb, 
To  realms  of  endless  day. 

4  To  those  bright  courts  when  hope  ascends, 

She  calms  the  swelling  wo : 

T        1  ' 

In  hope  we  meet  our  happy  friends, 
And  tears  forget  to  flow. 

5  Then  let  our  hearts  repine  no  more, 

That  earthly  comfort  dies : 
But  lasting  happiness  explore, 
And  ask  it  from  the  skies. 

Hymn  488.  c.  m. 

1  "IT/" HEX  death  appears  before  my  sight, 

▼  T      In  all  his  dire  array ; 
Unequal  to  the  dreadful  fight, 

My  courage  dies  away. 

2  How  shall  I  meet  this  potent  foe, 

Whose  frown  my  soul  alarms  ? 
Dark  horror  sits  upon  his  brow. 
And  victry  waits  his  arms. 

3  But  see  my  glorious  Leader  nigh ! 

Jesus,  my  Saviour,  lives : 


328  DEATH. 

Before  him  death's  pale  terrors  fly, 
And  my  faint  heart  revives. 

4  O  may  I  meet  the  final  hour 

With  fortitude  divine ! 
Sustain' d  by  God's  almighty  pow'r, 
The  conquest  must  be  mine. 

5  Lord  !  I  commit  my  soul  to  thee : 

Accept  the  sacred  trust ; 
Receive  this  nobler  part  of  me, 
And  watch  my  sleeping  dust. 

6  O  let  me  join  angelic  lays, 

And,  with  the  blissful  throng, 
Resound  salvation,  pow'r,  and  praise, 
In  everlasting  song ! 

Hymn  4S9.  l.  m. 

1  TTTHEN  all  the  pow'rs  of  nature  fail, 

▼  ▼      When  sickness  shall  my  heart  assail, 
Shall  ev'ry  nobler  part  pervade, 
And  ev'ry  earthly  wish  shall  fade: 

2  When  pain,  of  ev'ry  nerve  possess' d, 
Shall  vibrate  in  my  throbbing  breast ; 
And  languor  o'er  my  senses  steal, 
And  med'cine  lose  its  pow'r  to  heal : 

3  When  my  dim  eyes  are  sunk  in  death, 
And  God,  who  gave,  shall  take  my  breath : 
Do  thou  sustain  my  fainting  heart, 

And  comfort  to  my  soul  impart. 

4  May  thy  bright  presence  bring  relief 
From  fear,  despondency,  and  grief; 
Thy  cheering  voice  direct  my  way 
To  regions  of  eternal  day ! 


L 


DEATH.  32t 

Hymn  490.  p.  m.  %%  &  os. 

1   "VE7~HEN  life's  tempestuous  storms  are  o'er, 
▼  T     How  calm  he  meets  the  friendly  shore, 
Who  liv'd  averse  from  sin ! 
Such  peace  on  virtue's  path  attends, 
That,  where  the  sinner's  pleasure  ends, 
The  Christian's  joys  begin. 

2  See  smiling  patience  smoothe  his  brow ! 
See  bending  angels  downwards  bow, 

To  lift  his  soul  on  high  ! 
While,  eager  for  the  blest  abode, 
He  joins  with  them  to  praise  the  God, 

Who  taught  him  how  to  die. 

3  No  sorrow  drowns  his  lifted  eyes ; 
No  horror  wrests  the  struggling  sighs, 

As  from  the  sinner's  breast : 
His  God,  the  God  of  peace  and  love, 
Pours  kindly  solace  from  above, 

And  heals  his  soul  with  rest. 

4  0  grant,  my  Saviour  and  my  friend ! 
Such  joys  may  gild  my  peaceful  end, 

So  calm  my  ev'ning  close: 
While,  loos' d  from  ev'ry  earthly  tie, 
With  steady  confidence  I  fly 

To  thee  from  whom  I  rose  ! 

Hymn  491.  c.  m. 

1  XJARK  !  from  on  high  a  solemn  voice; 
A  A  Let  all  attentive  hear  ! 

'Twill  make  each  pious  heart  rejoice, 
And  vanquish  ev'ry  fear. 

2  "  Thrice  blessed  are  the  pious  dead, 

Who  in  the  Lord  shall  die ; 

Their  weary  flesh,  as  on  a  bed, 

Safe  in  the  grave  shall  lie. 


330  DEATH. 

3  "  Their  holy  souls,  at  length  releas'd, 

To  heav'n  shall  take  their  flight ; 
There  to  enjoy  eternal  rest, 
And  infinite  delight. 

4  "  They  drop  each  load  as  they  ascend, 

And  quit  this  world  of  wo ; 
Their  labours  with  their  lives  shall  end, 
Their  rest  no  period  know. 

5  "  Their  conflicts  with  their  busy  foes 

For  evermore  shall  cease ; 
None  shall  their  happiness  oppose, 
Nor  interrupt  their  peace. 

6  "  But  bright  rewards  shall  recompense 

Their  faithful  service  here ; 
And  perfect  love  shall  banish  thence 
Each  gloomy  doubt  and  fear." 

Hymn  492.  l.  m. 

The  Dying  Christian. 

1  r  1 1  HE  hour  of  my  departure's  come ; 

JL     I  hear  the  voice  that  calls  me  home 
At  last,  O  Lord  !  let  trouble  cease, 
And  let  thy  servant  die  in  peace. 

2  The  race  appointed  I  have  run ; 
The  combat's  o'er,  the  prize  is  won; 
And  now  my  witness  is  on  high, 
And  now  my  record's  in  the  sky. 

3  Not  in  mine  innocence  I  trust ; 
I  bow  before  thee  in  the  dust ; 

And  through  my  Saviour's  blood  alone, 
I  look  for  mercy  at  thy  throne. 

4  I  leave  the  world  without  a  tear, 
Save  for  the  friends  I  held  so  deal*. 


DEATH.  331 


To  heal  their  sorrow,  Lord,  descend, 
And  to  the  friendless  prove  a  friend. 

5  I  come,  I  come  at  thy  command ; 
I  give  my  spirit  to  thy  hand ; 
Stretch  forth  thine  everlasting  arms, 
And  shield  me  in  the  last  alarms ! 

6  The  hour  of  my  departure's  come; 

I  hear  the  voice  that  calls  me  home; 
Now,  O  my  God !  let  trouble  cease, 
Now  let  thy  servant  die  in  peace. 

Hymn  493.  p.  m.  7s  &  &. 

1  ~¥7~ITAL  spark  of  heav'nly  flame, 

▼      Quit,  O  quit  this  mortal  frame ! 
Trembling,  hoping,  ling' ring,  flying: 
O  the  pain,  the  bliss  of  dying ! 
Cease,  fond  nature,  cease  thy  strife, 
And  let  me  languish  into  life. 

2  Hark!  they  whisper;  angels  say, 
"Sister  spirit,  come  away." 
What  is  this  absorbs  me  quite, 
Steals  my  senses,  shuts  my  sight, 
Drowns  my  spirit,  draws  my  breath? 
Tell  me,  my  soul,  can  this  be  death  ? 

3  The  world  recedes ;  it  disappears. 
Heav'n  opens  on  my  eyes ;  my  ears 
With  sounds  seraphic  ring. 

Lend,  lend  your  wings :  I  mount,  I  fly. 
O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ? 
O  death,  where  is  thy  sting? 
29 


332  RESURRECTION. 

XXVIII. 

RESURRECTION. 


Hymn  494.  p.  m.  &. 

1  T^  TERNAL  God  !  how  frail  is  man! 
JE_i    How  few  his  hours,  how  short  his  span ! 

Short,  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave. 
Who  can  secure  his  vital  breath 
Against  the  bold  demands  of  death, 

With  skill  to  fly  or  pow'r  to  save  ? 

2  But  shall  it,  therefore,  Lord  !  be  said, 
The  race  of  man  was  only  made 

For  sickness,  sorrow,  and  the  dust  ? 
Or  if  thy  servants,  day  by  day, 
Sink  to  their  graves  and  turn  to  clay, 

Thou  hast  no  kindness  for  the  just? 

3  Hast  thou  not  given  to  thy  Son 
An  endless  life,  a  heav'nly  crown? 

Why  then  should  flesh  and  sense  despair? 
For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
That  we  can  read  his  holy  word, 

And  find  a  resurrection  there. 

4  For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord, 
Who  gives  his  saints  a  long  reward 

For  all  their  toil,  reproach,  and  pain. 
Let  all  below  and  all  above 
Join  to  proclaim  thy  wondrous  love, 

And  each  repeat  their  loud  "Amen.'* 

Hymn  495.  c.  m. 

1  TTOW  long  shall  death,  the  tyrant,  reign, 
JLJL  And  triumph  o'er  the  just, 
While  the  rich  blood  of  martyrs  slain 
Lies  mingled  with  the  dust? 


RESURRECTION.  333 

Lo  !  I  behold  the  scattered  shades  ! 

The  dawn  of  heav'n  appears: 
The  sweet,  immortal  morning  spreads 

Its  blushes  round  the  spheres. 

I  hear  the  voice,  "  ye  dead,  arise," 

And,  lo  !  the  graves  obey ; 
And.  waking  saints  with  joyful  eyes 

Salute  th'  expected  day. 

They  leave  the  dust,  and  on  the  wing 

Rise  to  the  mid- way  air  ; 
In  shining  garments  meet  their  King, 

And  bow  before  him  there. 

O  may  our  humble  spirits  stand 

Among  them  cloth' d  in  white  ! 
The  meanest  place  at  his  right  hand 

Is  infinite  delight. 

Hymn   196.  l.  m. 

FATHER  of  all !  my  soul  defend : 
On  thee  my  steadfast  hopes  depend. 
Thee  let  me  bless,  the  faithful  guide, 
Whose  counsels  o'er  my  life  preside. 

Though  to  the  grave  I  must  descend, 
(For  thus  has  heav'ns  high  will  ordain'd) 
Yet  hope  e'en  there,  my  constant  guest, 
Shall  smooth    the  pillow  of  my  rest. 

Though  death  awhile  reign  o'er  my  frame, 
Thou  from  the  grave  my  life  wilt  claim; 
And,  to  mine  eyes,  in  full  survey, 
The  op'ning  paths  of  life  display: 

Those  paths  that  to  thy  presence  bear; 
For  plenitude  of  bliss  is  there; 
And  pleasure's  streams,  unmix'd  with  wo, 
At  thy  right  hand  for  ever  flow. 


334  resurrection. 

Hymn  497.  l.m. 

1  "VM7~HAT  sinners  value,  I  resign  : 

▼  t      Lord !  'tis  enough,  that  thou  art  mine ! 
I  shall  behold  thy  blissful  face, 
And  stand  complete  in  righteousness. 

2  This  life's  a  dream,  an  empty  show; 
But  the  bright  world,  to  which  I  go, 
Hath  joys  substantial  and  sincere  : 
When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there ! 

3  O  glorious  hour !  O  blest  abode ! 
I  shall  be  near,  and  like  my  God ; 
And  flesh  and  sin  no  more  control 
The  sacred  pleasures  of  the  soul. 

4  My  flesh  shall  slumber  in  the  ground, 
Till  the  last  trumpet's  joyful  sound ; 
Then  burst  the  chains  with  sweet  surprise, 
And  in  my  Saviour's  image  rise. 

Hymn  498.  l.  m. 

1   1VTO,  I'll  repine  at  death  no  more; 
_1_^    But,  calm  and  cheerful,  will  resign 
To  the  cold  dungeon  of  the  grave, 
These  dying,  with' ring  limbs  of  mine. 

H  Let  worms  devour  my  wasting  flesh, 
And  crumble  all  my  bones  to  dust : 
My  God  shall  raise  my  frame  anew 
At  the  revival  of  the  just. 

3  Break,  sacred  morning !  through  the  skies, 
And  usher  in  that  glorious  day. 
Come  quickly,  Lord !  cut  short  the  hours : 
Thy  ling' ring  wheels,  how  long  they  stay! 


RESURRECTION.  335 

Hymn  499.  s.  m. 

1  \  ND  must  this  body  die? 

JTjL  This  well-wrought  frame  decay? 
And  must  these  active  limbs  of  mine 
Lie  mould' ring  in  the  clay  ! 

2  God,  my  Redeemer  lives, 

And  ever  from  the  skies 
Looks  down,  and  watches  all  my  dust, 
Till  he  shall  bid  me  rise. 

3  Array' d  in  glorious  grace, 

Shall  all  his  servants  shine  ; 
And,  fashion  d  like  their  ris'n  head, 
Be  heav'nly  and  divine. 

4  These  lively  hopes  we  owe 

To  Jesus'  dying  love  : 
O  may  we  bless  his  grace  below, 
And  sing  his  grace  above  ! 


XXIX. 

JUDGMENT  AND  END  OF  THE  WORLD. 


Hymn  500.  c.  m. 

HEAV'N  has  confirm'd  the  great  decree 
That  Adam's  race  must  die : 
One  general  ruin  sweeps  them  down, 
And  low  in  dust  they  lie. 

Ye  living  men,  the  tomb  survey, 
Where  you  must  quickly  dwell. 
29* 


336  JUDGMENT    AND    END 

Hark,  how  the  awful  summons  sounds 
In  ev'ry  fun'ral  knell ! 

3  Once  you  must  die,  and  once  for  all : 

The  solemn  purport  weigh ; 
For  know,  that  heav'n  and  hell  are  hung 
On  that  important  day. 

4  Those  eyes  so  long  in  darkness  veil'd, 

Must  wake,  the  Judge  to  see ; 
And  ev'ry  word,  and  ev'ry  thought 
Must  pass  his  scrutiny. 

5  O  may  I  in  the  Judge  behold 

My  Saviour  and  my  friend; 
And  far  beyond  the  reach  of  death 
With  all  his  saints  ascend ! 

Hymn  501.  l.  m. 

1  1\/rY  waken' d  soul,  extend  thy  wings 
_LT JL  Beyond  the  verge  of  mortal  things ; 
See  this  vain  world  in  smoke  decay, 

And  rocks  and  mountains  melt  away. 

2  Behold  the  fiery  deluge  roll 

Through  heav'n's  wide  arch  from  pole  to  pole ! 
Pale  sun,  no  more  thy  lustre  boast ; 
Tremble  and  fall,  ye  starry  host. 

3  The  wreck  of  nature  all  around, 

The  angel's  shout,  the  trumpet's  sound, 
Loud  the  descending  Judge  proclaim, 
And  echo  his  tremendous  name. 

4  Children  of  Adam,  all  appear 
With  rev'rence  round  his  awful  bar; 
For,  as  his  lips  pronounce,  ye  go 
To  endless  bliss  or  unknown  wo. 

5  Lord !  to  mine  eyes  the  scene  display, 
Frequent  through  each  returning  day ; 


OF    THE    WORLD.  337 

And  let  thy  grace  my  soul  prepare 
To  meet  its  full  redemption  there  ! 

Hymn  502.  c.  M; 

1  r  1 1  HE  day  approaches,  0  my  soul ! 

JL     The  great  decisive  day. 
Winch  from  the  verge  of  mortal  life 
Shall  bear  thee  far  away. 

2  Another  day  more  awful  dawns, 

And.  lo,  the  Judge  appears. 
Ye  heav'ns,  retire  before  his  face ; 
And  sink,  ye  darken' d  stars. 

3  Yet  does  one  short  preparing  hour, 

One  precious  hour  remain  : 
Rouse  thee,  my  soul,  with  all  thy  pow'r, 
Nor  let  it  pass  in  vain. 

4  With  me,  my  brethren  soon  must  die, 

And  at  his  bar  appear : 
Then  be  our  intercourse  improv'd 
To  mutual  comfort  here. 

5  For  this,  thy  temple,  Lord !  we  throng ; 

For  this,  thy  board  surround. 

Here  may  our  service  be  appro v'd, 

And  in  thy  presence  crown' d. 

Hymn  503.  p.  m.  ios.  &  u». 

1    r  1 1  HE  God  of  glory  sends  his  summons  forth, 
JL     Calls  the  south  nations,  and  awakes  the  north; 
From  east  to  west  his  sov:  reign  orders  spread, 
Through  distant  worlds  and  regions  of  the  dead. 
The  trumpet  sounds :  hell  trembles ;  heav'n  rejoices; 
Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  saints,  with  cheerful  voices. 


338  JUDGMENT    AND    END 

2  No  more  shall  atheists  mock  his  long  delay ; 
His  vengeance  sleeps  no  more ;  behold  the  day  ! 
Behold,  the  Judge  descends !  his  guards  are  nigh; 
Tempests  and  fire  attend  him  down  the  sky. 
When  God  appears,  all  nature  shall  adore  him : 
While  sinners  tremble,  saints  rejoice  before  him. 

3  Sinners,  awake  betimes ;  ye  fools,  be  wise  ; 
Awake,  before  this  dreadful  morning  rise. 
Change  your  vain  thoughts,  your  wicked  ways 

amend ; 
Fly  to  the  Saviour,  make  the  Judge  your  friend. 
Then  join  the  saints;  wake  ev'ry  cheerful  passion: 
When  Christ  returns,  he  comes  for  your  salvation. 

Hymn  504.  l.  m. 

1  r  B  1  HE  Lord,  the  Judge,  his  churches  warns : 

JL     Let  hypocrites  attend  and  fear, 
Who  place  their  hopes  in  rites  and  forms, 
But  make  not  faith  nor  love  their  care. 

2  They  dare  rehearse  his  awful  name 

With  lips  of  falsehood  and  deceit ; 
A  friend  or  brother  they  defame, 

And  soothe  and  flatter  those  they  hate. 

3  They  watch  to  do  their  neighbours  wrong, 

Yet  dare  to  seek  their  Maker's  face ; 
They  take  his  cov'nant  on  their  tongue, 
But  break  his  law*,  abuse  his  grace. 

4  And,  while  his  judgments  long  delay, 

They  grow  secure  and  sin  the  more  ; 
They  think  he  sleeps,  as  well  as  they ; 
And  put  far  off  the  evil  hour. 

5  O  dreadful  hour,  when  God  draws  near, 

And  sets  their  crimes  before  their  eyes ! 


OF    THE    WORLD. 

Anguish  their  guilty  souls  shall  tear, 
And  no  deliv'rer  dare  to  rise. 


Hymn  505.  p.  m.  8, 4,  &  &.. 

1  1  '    O  !  he  cometh  !  countless  trumpets 
_Li   Blow  to  raise  the  sleeping  dead ; 
Midst  ten  thousand  saints  and  angels, 

See  their  great  exalted  head. 
Hallelujah, 

Welcome,  welcome,  Son  of  God. 


•> 


Ev'ry  island,  sea,  and  mountain, 

Heav'n  and  earth  shall  flee  away. 
All.  who  hate  him,  must,  confounded, 

Hear  the  trump  proclaim  the  day : 
Come  to  judgment ! 

Come  to  judgment !  come  away  ! 
At  his  call,  the  dead  awaken, 

Rise  to  life  from  earth  and  sea ; 
All  the  pow'rs  of  nature,  shaken 

By  his  looks,  prepare  to  flee. 
Careless  sinner, 

What  will  then  become  of  thee? 

But  to  those,  who  have  confessed, 
Lov'd  and  serv'd  the  Lord  below, 

He  will  say,  "  come  near,  ye  blessed, 
See  the  kingdom  I  bestow  : 

You  for  ever 

Shall  my  love  and  glory  know." 

Under  sorrows  and  reproaches, 

May  this  thought  our  courage  raise  ! 

Swiftly  God's  great  day  approaches, 
Sighs  shall  then  be  chang'd  to  praise. 

May  we  triumph, 

When  the  world  is  in  a  blaze ! 


340  judgment  and  end 

Hymn  506.  l.  m. 

1  fTl  HE  mighty  deep  gives  up  her  trust, 

JL     Aw'd  by  the  Judge's  high  command; 
Both  small  and  great  now  quit  their  dust, 
And  round  the  dread  tribunal  stand. 

2  Behold  the  awful  books  display' d, 

Big  with  th'  important  fates  of  men ; 
Each  deed  and  word  now  public  made, 
As  wrote  by  heav'n's  unerring  pen. 

3  To  ev'ry  soul  the  books  assign 

The  joyous  or  the  dread  reward  : 
Sinners  in  vain  lament  and  pine ; 
No  plea  the  Judge  will  here  regard. 

4  Lord !  when  these  awful  leaves  unfold, 

May  life's  fair  book  my  soul  approve; 
There  may  I  read  my  name  enroll' d, 
And  triumph  in  redeeming  love  ! 

Hymn  507.  p.  m.  8s. 

Transitory  Nature  and  End  of  the  World, 

1  O  PRING  up,  my  soul,  with  ardent  flight, 
O  Nor  let  this  earth  delude  thy  sight 

With  glitt'ring  trifles,  gay  and  vain. 
Wisdom  divine  directs  thy  view 
To  objects.ever  grand  and  new, 

And  faith  displays  the  shining  train. 

2  Be  dead,  my  hopes,  to  all  below ; 
Nor  let  unbounded  torrents  flow, 

When  mourning  o'er  my  wither' d  joys. 
So  this  deceitful  world  is  known : 
Possess' d,  I  call  it  not  mine  own, 

Nor  glory  in  its  painted  toys. 


OF    THE    WOULD.  3  1  L 

3  The  empty  pageant  rolls  along; 
The  giddy  inexperience!  throng 

Pursue  it  with  enchanted  eyes : 
It  passeth  in  swift  march  away ; 
Still  more  and  more  its  charms  decay, 

Till  the  last  gaudy  colour  dies. 

4  My  God !  to  thee  my  soul  shall  turn ; 
To  thee  my  noblest  passions  bum, 

And  drink  in  bliss  from  thee  alone. 
I  fix  on  that  unchanging  home, 
Where  never-fading  pleasures  bloom, 

Fresh-springing  round  thy  radiant  throne. 

Hymn  508.  c.  u. 

1  "V^lT-HY  should  this  world  delight  us  so  ? 

T  V      Why  should  wc  fix  our  eyes 
On  these  low  grounds,  where  sorrows  grow, 
And  ev:ry  pleasure  dies  ? 

2  While  time  his  sharpest  teeth  prepares, 

Our  comforts  to  devour: 
There  is  a  land  above  the  stars, 
And  joys  above  his  pow'r. 

3  Nature  shall  be  dissolv'd  and  die; 

The  sun  must  end  his  race ; 
The  earth  and  sea  for  ever  fly 
Before  my  Maker"  s  face. 

4  When  will  that  glorious  morning  rise, 

When  the  last  trumpets  sound 
Shall  call  the  nations  to  the  skies, 
From  underneath  the  ground? 


342  HEAVEN. 

XXX. 

HEAVEN. 


T 


Hymn  509.  l.  m. 

O  heav'n,  my  longing  soul !  aspire, 
And  soar  aloft  with  strong  desire. 
Here  choose  thy  lot,  here  fix  thy  rest, 
And  aim  for  ever  to  be  blest. 

Still  keep  yon  blissful  world  in  view, 
And  close  the  glorious  chase  pursue; 
The  way  leads  up  to  rest  above, 
Through  paths  of  purity  and  love. 

This  track  pursue  with  ardent  zeal ; 
Each  lust  subdue,  each  foe  repel ; 
Still  stretch  thy  wings,  and  upwards  rise : 
Eternal  glory  is  the  prize ! 

Hymn  510.  c.  m. 

1  "JVTOR  eye  hath  seen,  nor  ear  hath  heard, 
JL^I    Nor  sense  nor  reason  known, 

What  joys  the  Father  has  prepar'd 
For  those  that  love  the  Son. 

2  But  the  good  Spirit  of  the  Lord 

Reveals  a  heav'n  to  come; 

The  beams  of  glory  in  his  word 

Allure  and  guide  us  home. 

3  Pure  are  the  joys  above  the  sky, 

And  all  the  region  peace ; 
No  wanton  lips,  nor  envious  eye, 
Can  see  or  taste  the  bliss. 

4  Those  holy  gates  for  ever  bar 

Pollution,  sin,  and  shame; 


HEAVEN.  343 


None  shall  obtain  admittance  there, 
But  followers  of  the  Lamb. 

5  He  keeps  the  Father's  book  of  life ; 
There  all  their  names  are  found ; 
The  hypocrite  in  vain  shall  strive 
To  tread  the  heav'nly  ground. 

Hymn  511.  s.  m. 

1  TT71 AR  from  these  scenes  of  night, 
JT      Unbounded  glories  rise, 

And  realms  of  infinite  delight, 
Unknown  to  mortal  eyes. 

2  Fair  land  !  could  mortal  eyes 

But  half  its  charms  explore ; 

How  would  our  spirits  long  to  rise, 

And  dwell  on  earth  no  more  ! 

3  There  sickness  never  comes ; 

There  grief  no  more  complains ; 
Health  triumphs  in  immortal  bloom, 
And  purest  pleasure  reigns. 

4  No  strife,  nor  envy  there 

The  sons  of  peace  molest ; 
But  harmony  and  love  sincere 
Fill  ev:ry  happy  breast. 

5  No  cloud  those  regions  know, 

For  ever  bright  and  fair ; 
For  sin,  the  source  of  mortal  wo, 
Can  never  enter  there. 

6  There's  no  alternate  night, 

Nor  sun's  faint,  sickly  ray; 
But  glory,  from  th5  eternal  throne, 
Spreads  everlasting  day. 

7  Oh  !  may  this  prospect  fire 

Our  hearts  with  ardent  love ; 
30 


344  HEAVEN. 

May  lively  faith  and  strong  desire 
Bear  ev'ry  thought  above! 

Hymn  512.  p.  m.  ios  &  m. 

1   /"\N  wings  of  faith,  mount  up,  my  soul,  and  rise, 
\J   View  thine  inheritance  beyond  the  skies. 
Nor  heart  can  think,  nor  mortal  tongue  can  tell, 
What  endless  pleasures  in  those  mansions  dwell. 
Here  our  Redeemer  lives,  all  bright  and  glorious ; 
O'er  sin,  and  death,  and  hell,  he  reigns  victorious. 


2  No  gnawing  grief]  no  sad  heart-rending  pain, 
In  that  blest  country  can  admission  gain ; 
No  sorrow  there,  no  soul -tormenting  fear  ; 
For  God's  own  hand  shall  wipe  the  falling  tear. 
Here  our  Redeemer  lives,  &c. 

3  Before  the  throne  a  crystal  river  glides ; 
Immortal  verdure  decks  its  cheerful  sides ; 
Here  the  fair  tree  of  life  majestic  rears 

Its  blooming  head,  and  sov' reign  virtue  bears. 
Here  our  Redeemer  lives,  &c. 

Hymn  513.  cm. 

1  "V7"E  golden  lamps  of  heav'n !  farewell, 

JL    With  all  your  feeble  light. 
Farewell,  thou  ever-changing  moon, 
Pale  empress  of  the  night ! 

2  And  thou,  refulgent  orb  of  day, 

In  brighter  flames  array' d  ! 
My  soul,  which  springs  beyond  thy  sphere, 
No  more  demands  thine  aid. 

3  Ye  stars  are  but  the  shining  dust 

Of  my  divine  abode, 
The  pavement  of  those  heav'nly  courts, 
Where  I  shall  reign  with  God. 


HEAVEN.  345 


4  The  Father  of  eternal  light 

Shall  there  his  beams  display; 
Nor  shall  one  moment's  darkness  mix 
With  that  unvary'd  day. 

5  Xo  more  the  drops  of  piercing  grief 

Shall  swell  into  mine  eyes ; 
Nor  the  meridian  sun  decline 
*    Amidst  those  brighter  skies. 

6  There  all  the  millions  of  his  saints 

Shall  in  one  song  unite, 
And  each  the  bliss  of  all  shall  share 
With  infinite  delight. 


Hymn  514.  l.  m. 

ROM  north  and  south,  from  east  and  west, 
Advance  the  myriads  of  the  blest ; 
From  ev'ry  clime  of  earth  they  come, 
And  find  in  heav:n  a  common  home. 


F 


2  Howe'er  divided  here  below, 

One  bliss,  one  spirit  now  they  know ; 
And,  all  their  doubts  and  darkness  o'er, 
One  common  Parent  now  adore. 

3  On  earth,  according  to  their  light, 
They  strove  to  practise  what  was  right ; 
Hence  all  their  errors  are  forgiv'n, 
And  Jesus  welcomes  them  to  heav'n. 

4  See,  how  along  the  immortal  meads 
His  glorious  host  the  Saviour  leads ! 
And  brings  the  myriads  none  can  count, 
To  seats  of  joy  on  Zion's  mount ! 


JN 


Hymn  515.  cm. 

OT  to  the  terrors  of  the  Lord, 
The  tempest,  fire,  and  smoke ; 


346  HEAVEN. 

Not  to  the  thunder  of  that  word, 
Which  God  on  Sinai  spoke  : 

2  But  we  are  come  to  Zion's  hill, 

The  city  of  our  God, 
Where  milder  words  declare  his  will, 
And  spread  his  love  abroad. 

3  Behold  th'  innumerable  host 

Of  angels,  cloth' d  in  light ! 
Behold  the  spirits  of  the  just, 
Whose  faith  is  turn'd  to  sight ! 

4  Behold  the  blest  assembly  there, 

Whose  names  are  writ  in  heav'n ! 
And  God,  the  Judge  of  all,  declares 
Their  num'rous  sins  forgiv'n. 

5  The  saints  on  earth,  and  all  the  dead, 

But  one  communion  make  : 

All  join  in  Christ,  the  living  head, 

And  heav'nly  joys  partake. 

6  In  such  society  as  this 

My  weary  soul  would  rest ! 
The  man  that  dwells  where  Jesus  is, 
Must  be  for  ever  blest. 

Hymn  516.  c.  m. 

1  /^i  OME,  Lord,  and  warm  each  languid  heart, 
\_y   Inspire  each  lifeless  tongue ; 

And  let  the  joys  of  heav'n  impart 
Their  influence  to  our  song. 

2  Sorrow,  and  pain,  and  ev'ry  care, 

And  discord  there  shall  cease ; 
And  perfect  joy  and  love  sincere 
Adorn  the  realms  of  peace. 

3  The  soul,  from  sin  for  ever  free, 

Shall  mourn  its  pow'r  no  more; 


HEAVEN.  347 

But,  cloth' d  in  spotless  purity, 
Redeeming  love  adore. 

4  There,  on  a  throne,  how  dazzling  bright, 

Th'  exalted  Saviour  shines, 
And  beams  ineffable  delight 
On  all  the  heav'nly  minds. 

5  There  shall  the  foll'wers  of  the  Lamb 

Join  in  immortal  songs, 
And  endless  honours  to  his  name 
Employ  their  tuneful  tongues. 

6  Lord,  tune  our  hearts  to  praise  and  love, 

Our  feeble  notes  inspire ; 
Till,  in  thy  blissful  courts  above, 
We  join  th'  angelic  choir. 


Hymn  517.  c.  m. 

1  "TVTOW  let  a  true  ambition  rise, 
JL  ll  And  ardour  fire  our  breast, 
To  reign  in  worlds  above  the  skies, 

In  heav'nly  glories  drest. 

2  Behold  Jehovah's  royal  hand 

A  radiant  crown  display, 
Whose  gems  with  vivid  lustre  shine, 
While  suns  and  stars  decay. 

3  No  more  I  seek  for  transient  good, 

Nor  longer  call  it  mine  : 
1  spring  to  seize  superior  joys, 
Immortal  and  divine. 

4  Ye  hearts  with  youthful  vigour  warm, 

The  glorious  prize  pursue ; 
Nor  shall  ye  want  the  goods  of  earth, 
While  heav'n  is  kept  in  view. 
30* 


348  HEAVEN. 

Hymn  518.  c.  m. 

1  nn  HERE  is  a  land  of  pure  delight, 

JL     Where  saints  immortal  reign; 
Infinite  day  excludes  the  night, 
And  pleasures  banish  pain. 

2  There  everlasting  spring  abides, 

And  never-with'ring  flow'rs. 
Death,  like  a  narrow  sea,  divides 
This  heav'nly  land  from  ours. 

3  Sweet  fields,  beyond  the  swelling  flood, 

Stand  dress' d  in  living  green  : 

So  to  the  Jews  old  Canaan  stood, 

While  Jordan  roll'd  between. 

4  But  tim'rous  mortals  start  and  shrink, 

To  cross  this  narrow  sea, 
And  linger,  shiv'ring,  on  the  brink, 
And  fear  to  launch  away, 

5  O  !    could  we  make  our  doubts  remove, 

Those  gloomy  doubts  that  rise ; 
And  view  the  Canaan  that  we  love 
With  unbeclouded  eyes ! 

6  Could  we  but  climb  where  Moses  stood, 

And  view  the  landscape  o'er : 
Not  Jordan's  stream,  nor  death's  cold  flood, 
Should  fright  us  from  the  shore. 

Hymn  519.  c.  m. 

1  r  1 1  HOSE  happy  realms  of  joy  and  peace, 

JL     Fain  would  my  heart  explore, 
Where  grief  and  pain  for  ever  cease, 
And  I  shall  sin  no  more. 

2  No  darkness  there  shall  cloud  the  eyes, 

No  languor  seize  the  frame ; 


HEAVEN.  349 


But  ever-active  vigour  rise 
To  feed  the  vital  flame. 

3  But,  ah  !  a  dreary  vale  between, 

Extends  its  awful  gloom  : 
Fear  spreads,  to  hide  the  distant  scene, 
The  horrors  of  the  tomb. 

4  O,  for  the  eye  of  faith  divine, 

To  pierce  beyond  the  grave ! 
To  see  that  friend,  and  call  him  mine, 
Whose  arm  is  strong  to  save  ! 

5  Here  fix,  my  soul !  for  life  is  here ; 

Light  breaks  amid  the  gloom. 
Trust  in  Jehovah's  love,  nor  fear 
The  horrors  of  the  tomb. 


Hymn  520.  l.  m. 

1  iil  ROM  this  world's  joys  and  senseless  mirth* 
_T     O  come,  my  soul  !  in  haste  retire  ; 
Assume  the  grandeur  of  thy  birth, 

And  to  thy  native  heav'n  aspire. 

2  'Tis  heav'n  alone  can  make  thee  blest, 

Can  ev'ry  wish  and  want  supply: 
Thy  joy,  thy  crown,  thy  endless  rest, 
Are  all  above  the  lofty  sky. 

3  Eternal  mansions !  bright  array ! 

0  blest  exchange  !  transporting  thought ! 
Free  from  th'  approaches  of  decay 
Or  the  least  shadow  of  a  spot. 

4  There  shall  mortality  no  more 

Its  wide-extended  empire  boast; 
Forgotten  all  its  dreadful  pow'r, 
In  life's  unbounded  ocean  lost. 


350  HEAVEN. 

5  There  dwells  the  sov' reign  Lord  of  all, 
The  God  that  all  the  worlds  adore ; 
With  whom  is  bliss  that  cannot  pall, 
And  joys  that  last  for  evermore. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS 


Hymn  521.  p.  m.7*. 

Songs  of  Praise, 

1  O  ONGS  of  praise  the  angels  sang, 
k^   Heav'n  with  hallelujahs  rang, 
When  Jehovah's  work  begun, 
When  he  spake  and  it  was  done. 

2  Songs  of  praise  awoke  the  morn, 
When  the  Prince  of  peace  was  born ; 
Songs  of  praise  arose,  when  he 
Captive  led  captivity. 

3  Heav'n  and  earth  must  pass  away ; 
Songs  of  praise  shall  crown  that  day. 
God  will  make  new  heav'ns  and  earth ; 
Songs  of  praise  shall  hail  their  birth. 

4  And  shall  man  alone  be  dumb, 
Till  that  glorious  kingdom  come  I 
No  : — the  church  delights  to  raise 
Psalms,  and  hymns,  and  songs  of  praise. 

5  Saints  below,  with  heart  and  voice, 
Still  in  songs  of  praise  rejoice ; 
Learning  here  by  faith  and  love, 
Songs  of   praise  to  sing  above. 

6  Borne  upon  their  latest  breath, 
Songs  of  praise  shall  conquer  death : 
Then,  amidst  eternal  joy, 

Songs  of  praise  their  pow'rs  employ 


352  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Hymn  522.  p.  m.  ios  &  us. 

Revelation  xv.  3,  4. 

1  TTOW  wondrous  and  great  thy  works,  God  of 
XX  praise ! 

How  just,  King  of  saints,  and  true  are  thy  ways ! 
O  who  shall  not  fear  thee,  and  honour  thy  name  ? 
Thou  only  art  holy,  thou  only  supreme  ! 

2  To  nations  long  dark  thy  light  shall  be  shown ; 
Their  worship  and  vows  shall  come  to  thy  throne. 
Thy  truth  and  thy  judgments  shall  spread  all  abroad, 
Till  earth's  ev'ry  people  confess  thee  their  God. 

Hymn  523.  p.  m.  ios  &  iik 

Adoring  Praise.     Psalm  civ. 

1  /^V  PRAISE  ye  the  Lord,  his  greatness  proclaim : 
V^J  Jehovah,  our  God,  how  awful  thy  name  ! 
How  vast  is  thy  power,  thy  glory  how  great ! 
Lo,  myriads  of  spirits  thy  mandates  await ! 

2  Thy  canopy's  heav'n,  in  splendour  so  bright; 
Thy  chariot  the  clouds,  thy  garment  the  light. 
The  works  of  creation  thy  bidding  perform; 
Thou  ridest  the  whirlwind,  directest  the  storm. 

3  What  wisdom  is  shown,  what  power  display'd 
In  all  that  thy  hand  hath  fashion' d  and  made ! 
The  earth  full  of  riches,  in  beauty  complete ; 
The  fathomless  ocean,  with  wonders  replete. 

4  O  thou,  our  great  God,  Redeemer,  and  King ! 
With  hearts  full  of  love  to  thee  will  we  sing ; 
To  life's  latest  moment  our  voices  we'll  raise, 
And  join  in  the  chorus  of  blessing  and  praise. 


additional  hymns.  353 

Hymn  524.  l.  m. 

God  exalted  above  all  Praise. 

1  TTjlTERNAL  Pow:r!  whose  high  abode 

i^i    Becomes  the  grandeur  of  a  God ; 
Infinite  lengths  beyond  the  bounds 
Where  stars  revolve  their  little  rounds ! 

2  Far  in  the  depths  of  space,  thy  throne 
Burns  with  a  lustre  all  its  own : 

Jn  shining  ranks  beneath  thy  feet, 
Angelic  pow'rs  and  splendours  meet. 

3  Lord,  what  shall  feeble  mortals  do  ? 
We  would  adore  our  Maker  too : 
With  lowly  minds  to  t  jee  we  cry, 
The  Great,  the  Holy,  and  the  High. 

4  God  is  in  heavii,  and  man  below  : 
Short  be  our  tunes,  our  words  be  few : 
Let  sacred  rev:rence  check  our  songs, 
And  praise  sit  silent  on  our  tongues. 

Hymn  525.  l.  m. 

God's  Power  and  Majesty. 

1  ORD  God  of  armies,  who  can  boast 

I   I   Of  strength  or  pow'r  like  thine  renown'd? 
Of  such  a  num'rous  faithful  host, 

As  that  which  does  thy  throne  surround  ? 

2  What  seraph  of  celestial  birth 

To  vie  with  Israel's  God  shall  dare? 
Or  who  among  the  gods  of  earth 
With  our  Almighty  Lord  compare  1 

3  Thine  arm  is  potent,  high  thy  hand  : 

Yet,  Lord,  thou  dost  with  justice  reign. 


354  ADDITIONAL  HYMNS. 

Possess1  d  of  absolute  command, 
Thou  truth  and  mercy  wilt  sustain. 

4  With  rev'rence  and  religious  dread, 

Thy  saints  shall  to  thy  temple  press ; 
Thy  fear  through  all  their  hearts  shall  spread, 
Who  thine  almighty  name  confess. 

5  And  in  thy  strength  shall  they  advance ; 

Their  conquests  from  thy  favour  spring : 
The  Lord  of  hosts  is  their  defence, 
And  Israel's  God  is  Israel's  King. 

Hymn  526.  l.  m. 

The  Presence  of  God  makes  every  Place  delightful, 

1  /^\H  thou,  by  long  experience  try'd, 
\J  Near  whom  no  grief  can  long  abide ! 
All  scenes  alike  engaging  prove 

To  souls  impress' d  with  sacred  love. 

2  I  can  be  calm  and  free  from  care 
On  any  shore,  since  thou  art  there ; 
And  with  my  God  to  guide  my  way, 
'Tis  equal  joy  to  go  or  stay. 

3  Could  I  be  cast  where  thou  art  not, 
That  were  indeed  a  dreadful  lot : 
But  regions  none  remote  I  call, 
Secure  of  finding  thee  in  all. 

Hymn  527.  p.  m.  &. 

God  Omnipresent  and  Omniscient. 


>s 


The  inmost  secrets  of  my  breast. 
At  home,  abroad,  in  crowds,  alone, 
Thou  mark' st  my  rising  and  my  rest, 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  355 

My  thoughts  for  oft*  through  ev'ry  maze, 
Source,  stream,  aud  issue — all  my  ways. 

2  No  word  that  from  my  mouth  proceeds, 

Evil  or  good,  escapes  thine  ear. 
Witness  thou  art  to  all  my  deeds — 

Before,  behind,  for  ever  near. 
Such  knowledge  is  for  me  too  high : 
I  live  but  in  my  Maker's  eye. 

3  How  from  thy  presence  should  I  go, 

Or  whither  from  thy  Spirit  flee ; 
Since  all  above,  around,  below, 

Exist  in  thine  immensity, 
And  feel  thine  all-controlling  will, 
While  thy  right  hand  upholds  them  still? 

4  How  precious  are  thy  thoughts  of  peace, 

O  God,  to  me  !  how  vast  the  sum ! 
New  ev'ry  morn,  they  never  cease; 

They  were,  they  are,  and  yet  shall  come, 
In  number  and  in  compass  more 
Than  all  the  sand  of  ocean's  shore. 

5  Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart; 

Try  me,  my  secret  soul  survey ; 
And  warn  thy  servant  to  depart 

From  ev'ry  false  and  evil  way; 
And  let  thy  truth  my  guidance  be 
To  life  and  immortality. 

Hymn  528.  l.  m. 

Divine  Mercy  and  Compassion. 

1  f\   GOD,  how  free  thy  mercies  flow  ! 
V_J   But  thy  reluctant  wrath,  how  slow  ! 
High  as  the  bright  expanded  skies, 

Thy  vast,  unbounded  mercies  rise. 

2  As  distant  as  creating  pow'r 

Has  fix'd  the  east  and  western  shore, 
31 


356  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

So  far  our  num'rous  crimes  remove 
At  the  sweet  voice  of  pard'ning  love. 

8  The  tend' rest  yearning  nature  knows, 
A  father's  love,  too  faintly  shows 
The  ever-kind,  indulgent  care, 
Which  God's  obedient  children  share. 

4  His  mercy  with  unchanging  rays 
For  ever  shines,  while  time  decays; 
And  children's  children  shall  record 
The  truth  and  goodness  of  the  Lord. 

Hymn  529.  p.  m.  &. 

The  Pardoning  God.     Micah  vii.  18. 

1  ^i  RE  AT  God  of  wonders !  all  thy  ways 
vjff"  Are  matchless,  heav'nly  and  divine  : 
But  the  bright  glories  of  thy  grace 

More  godlike  and  unrivall'd  shine. 
Who  is  a  pard'ning  God  like  thee? 
Or  who  has  grace  so  rich  and  free  ? 

2  Sins  of  such  horror  to  forgive, 

Such  guilty,  daring  worms  to  spare — 
This  is  thy  grand  prerogative, 

And  none  shall  in  thine  honour  share. 
Who  is  a  pard'ning  God  like  thee? 
Or  who  has  grace  so  rich  and  free? 

3  Angels  and  men  resign  their  claim 

To  pity,  mercy,  love,  and  grace : 
These  glories  crown  Jehovah's  name 

With  an  incomparable  blaze. 
Who  is  a  pard'ning  God  like  thee? 
Or  who  has  grace  so  rich  and  free  ? 

4  In  wonder  lost,  with  trembling  joy 

We  take  the  pardon  of  our  God — 
Pardon  for  sins  of  deepest  dye, 
A  pardon  seal'd  with  Jesus'  blood. 


lL 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  357 

Who  is  a  palitfnmg  God  like  thee? 
Or  who  has  grace  so  rich  and  free? 

5  O  may  this  vast,  this  matchless  grace, 

This  godlike  miracle  of  love, 
Fill  the  wide  earth  with  grateful  praise, 

And  all  th'  angelic  choirs  above ! 
Who  is  a  pard'ning  God  like  thee? 
Or  who  has  grace  so  rich  and  free  ? 

Hymn  530.  l.  m. 

Lord,  what  is  Man  ? 

ORD,  what  is  man?     Extremes  how  wide 
In  his  mysterious  nature  join ! 
The  flesh,  to  earth  and  dust  allied ; 
The  soul,  immortal  and  divine ! 

2  Lord,  what  is  man,  when  grace  reveals 

Pardon  and  hope  through  Jesus'  blood? 
A  pow'r,  a  life  divine  he  feels, 

Despises  earth,  and  walks  with  God. 

3  And  what,  in  yonder  realms  above, 

Is  ransom' d  man  ordain' d  to  be; 
With  honour,  holiness,  and  love 
Adorn' d,  and  ever  dear  to  thee? 

4  In  endless  bliss  and  raptrous  song, 

Shall  man  his  hallelujahs  raise : 
While  hosts  of  angels  round  thee  throng, 
And  swell  the  chorus  of  thy  praise. 

Hymn  531.  l.  m. 

Providential  Bounties  improved. 

1     1/1 ATHER  of  lights!  we  sing  thy  name, 
_T     Who  kindlest  up  the  lamp  of  day : 
Wide  as  he  spreads  his  golden  flame, 
His  beams  thy  pow'r  and  love  display. 


358  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS, 

2  Fountain  of  good  !  from  thee  proceed 

The  copious  drops  of  genial  rain, 
Which,  o'er  the  hill  and  through  the  mead, 
Revive  the  grass  and  swell  the  grain. 

3  Through  the  wide  world  thy  bounties  spread, 

Yet  millions  of  our  guilty  race, 
Though  by  thy  daily  bounty  fed, 

Affront  thy  law,  and  spurn  thy  grace. 

4  Not  so  may  our  forgetful  hearts 

O'erlook  the  tokens  of  thy  care; 
But,  what  thy  lib'ral  hand  imparts, 
Still  own  in  praise,  still  ask  in  pray'r. 

5  So  shall  our  suns  more  grateful  shine, 

And  show'rs  in  sweeter  drops  shall  fall, 
When  all  our  hearts  and  lives  are  thine, 
And  thou,  O  God,  enjoy' d  in  all. 

Hymn  532.  s.  m. 

God  our  Shepherd.     Psalm  xxiii. 

1  rTl  HE  Lord  my  Shepherd  is, 

JL     I  shall  be  well  supplied : 

Since  he  is  mine,  and  I  am  his, 

What  can  I  want  beside? 

2  He  leads  me  to  the  place 

Where  heav'nly  pasture  grows, 
Where  living  waters  gently  pass, 
And  full  salvation  flows. 

3  If  e'er  I  go  astray, 

He  doth  my  soul  reclaim, 
And  guides  me  in  his  own  right  way, 
For  his  most  holy  name. 

4  While  he  affords  his  aid, 

I  cannot  yield  to  fear : 
Though  I  should  walk  thro'  death's  dark  shade, 
My  Shepherd's  with  me  there. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  359 

5  The  bounties  of  his  love 

Shall  crown  my  foil' wing  days; 
Nor  from  his  house  shall  I  remove, 
Nor  cease  to  speak  his  praise. 

Hymn  533.  p.  m.  is. 

All  from  God. 

1  TT1 ATHER !  thy  paternal  care 

JO     Has  my  guardian  been,  my  guide. 
Ev'ry  hallow'd  wish  and  pray'r 

Has  thy  hand  of  love  supply'd. 
Thine  is  ev'ry  thought  of  bliss, 

Left  by  hours  and  days  gone  by; 
Ev'ry  hope  thine  offspring  is, 

Beaming  from  futurity. 

2  Ev'ry  sun  of  splendid  ray; 

Ev'ry  moon  that  shines  serene; 
Ev'ry  morn  that  welcomes  day; 

Ev'ry  evening's  twilight  scene; 
Ev'ry  hour  which  wisdom  brings: 

Ev'ry  incense  at  thy  shrine: 
These — and  all  life's  holiest  things: 

And  its  fairest — all  are  thine. 

4  And  for  all,  my  hymns  shall  rise 

Daily  to  thy  gracious  throne  : 
Thither  let  mine  asking  eyes 

Turn  un weary' d — righteous  one ! 
Through  life's  strange  vicissitude 

There  reposing  all  my  care ; 
Trusting  still,  through  ill  and  good, 

Fix'd,  and  cheer'd,  and  counsell'd  there. 

Hymn  534.  p.  m.  8s. 

The  Mariners  Hymn. 

1  "F    OPvD  of  the  Sea  !  thy  potent  sway 
,1   i   Old  Ocean's  wildest  waves  obey. 


360  ADDITIONAL  HYMNS. 

The  gale  that  whistles  through  the  shrouds, 
The  storm  that  drives  the  frighted  clouds, — ■• 
If  but  thy  whisper  order  peace, 
How  soon  their  rude  commotions  cease ! 

2  Lord  of  the  Sea  !  the  seaman  keep 
From  all  the  dangers  of  the  deep  ! 
When  high  the  white-capp'd  billows  rise, 
When  tempests  roar  along  the  skies, 
When  foes  or  shoals  awaken  fear — 

O  in  thy  mercy  be  thou  near ! 

3  Lord  of  the  Sea  !  a  sea  is  life 

Of  care  and  sorrow,  wo  and  strife ! 
With  watchful  pains  we  steer  along, 
To  keep  the  right  path,  shun  the  wrong* 

0  grant,  when  here  we  cease  to  roam, 
To  us  an  everlasting  home ! 

Hymn  535.  p.  m.  ?■. 

Our  times  in  the  hand  of  God* 

1  OOV'REIGN  ruler  of  the  skies, 
k3   Ever  gracious,  ever  wise ! 
All  my  times  are  in  thy  hand, 

All  events  at  thy  command. 

2  Thou  did' st  form  me  by  thy  pow'r; 
Thou  wilt  guide  me,  hour  by  hour : 
All  my  times  shall  ever  be 
Order' d  by  thy  wise  decree: — 

3  Times  of  sickness,  times  of  health ; 
Times  of  penury  and  wealth ; 
Times  of  trial  and  of  grief; 
Times  of  triumph  and  relief. 

4  O  thou  gracious,  wise,  and  just ! 
Unto  thee  my  life  I  trust. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  361 

Have  I  somewhat  dearer  still  ? 
I  resign  it  to  thy  will. 
5  May  I  always  own  thy  hand; 
Still  to  thee  surrender' d  stand; 
Know  that  thou  art  God  alone ; 
I  and  mine  are  all  thine  own. 

Hymn  536.  c.  m. 

God  sends  both  Prosperity  and  Adversity 

1  r  ■  1  HE  Lord  !  how  tender  is  his  love ! 

_l_     His  justice,  how  august! 
Hence  all  her  fears  my  soul  derives; 
There  anchors  all  my  trust. 

2  He  show'rs  the  manna  from  above, 

To  feed  the  barren  waste ; 
Or  points  with  death  the  dreadful  hail, 
And  famine  waits  the  blast. 

3  Crowns,  realms,  and  worlds,  his  wrath  incens'd, 

Are  dust  beneath  his  tread : 
He  blights  the  fair,  unplumes  the  proud, 
And  shakes  the  learned  head. 

4  He  bids  distress  forget  to  groan, 

The  sick  from  anguish  cease.' 
In  dungeons  spreads  his  healing  wing, 
And  softly  whispers  peace. 

5  For  me,  O  Lord  !  whatever  lot 

The  hours  commission' d  bring: 
Do  all  my  with' ring  blessings  die, 
Or  fairer  clusters  spring : 

6  O  grant  that  still,  with  grateful  heart, 

My  years  resign' d  may  run  : 
'Tia  thine  to  give  or  to  resume; 
And  may  thy  will  be  done ! 


362  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Hymn  537.  c.  m. 

God's  Providence,  and  the  Folly  of  Self-depend' 
ence. 

1  /^1  OD  reigns ;  events  in  order  flow, 
VU~  Man's  industry  to  guide  : 

But  in  a  difF'rent  channel  go, 
To  humble  human  pride. 

2  The  swift  not  always,  in  the  race, 

Shall  seize  the  crowning  prize ; 
Not  always  wealth  and  honour  grace 
The  labours  of  the  wise. 

3  Fond  mortals  but  themselves  beguile, 

When  on  themselves  they  rest : 
Blind  is  their  wisdom,  vain  their  toil, 
By  thee,  O  Lord,  unbless'd. 

4  Evil  and  good  before  thee  stand, 

Their  mission  to  perform  : 
The  sun  shines  bright  at  thy  command, 
Thy  hand  directs  the  storm. 

5  O  Lord,  in  all  our  ways  we'll  own 

Thy  providential  pow'r; 
Entrusting  to  thy  care  alone 
The  lot  of  ev'ry  hour. 

Hymn  538.  p.  m.  us. 

Chris? s  Advent,  "Prepare  ye  the  way  of  the  Lord." 

1  \     VOICE  from  the  desert  comes  awful  and 
X3L  shrill: 

The  Lord  is  advancing !  prepare  ye  the  way ! 
The  word  of  Jehovah  he  comes  to  fulfil, 

And  o'er  the  dark  world  pour  the  splendor  of  day. 

2  Bring  down  the  proud  mountain,  though  tow' ring 

to  heav'n, 
And  be  the  low  valley  exalted  on  high : 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  363 

The  rough  path  and  crooked  be  made  smoothe  and 


even; 


For,  Zion  !    your  King,  your  Redeemer  is  nigh. 
3  The  beams  of  salvation  his  progress  illume ; 

The  lone,  dreary  wilderness  sings  of  her  Lord ; 
The  rose  and  the  myrtle  there  suddenly  bloom, 
And  the  olive  of  peace  spreads  its  branches 
abroad. 

Hymn  539.  c.  m. 

Christ's  Character  foretold. 

1  |3  EHOLD  my  servant,  see  him  rise 
J3   Exalted  in  my  might ! 

Him  have  I  chosen,  and  in  him 
I  place  supreme  delight. 

2  Gentle  and  still  shall  be  his  voice ; 

No  threats  from  him  proceed ; 
The  smoking  flax  shall  he  not  quench, 
Nor  break  the  bruised  reed. 

3  The  feeble  spark  to  flames  he;ll  raise; 

The  weak  will  not  despise  ; 
Judgment  he  shall  bring  forth  to  truth, 
And  make  the  fallen  rise. 

4  The  progress  of  his  zeal  and  power 

Shall  never  know  decline, 
Till  foreign  lands  and  distant  isles 
Receive  the  law  divine. 

Hymn  540.  p.  m.  8s  &  7s. 

Sojig  of  the  Angels  at  Bethlehem. 
A.RK  !  what  mean  those  holy  voices, 


H 


Sweetly  sounding  through  the  skies? 
Lo  !  th;  angelic  host  rejoices ; 
Heavenly  hallelujahs  rise. 


364  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

2  Listen  to  the  wondrous  story, 

Which  they  chant  in  hymns  of  joy: 
"  Glory  in  the  highest,  glory ! 
Glory  be  to  God  most  high ! 

3  "  Peace  on  earth,  good-will  from  heaven, 

Reaching  far  as  man  is  found : 
Souls  redeemed  and  sins  forgiven  : — 
Loud  our  golden  harps  shall  sound. 

4  "Christ  is  born,  the  great  anointed  : 

Heav'n  and  earth  his  praises  sing ! 
O  receive  whom  God  appointed 

For  your  prophet,  priest,  and  king." 

5  Let  us  learn  the  wondrous  story 

Of  our  great  Redeemer's  birth ; 
Spread  the  brightness  of  his  glory, 
Till  it  cover  all  the  earth. 

Hymn  541.  l.  m. 

Prophecy  fulfilled  in  Christ's  birth. 

1  /^i  LORY  to  God  who  reigns  above, 

VX"  Who  dwells  in  light,  whose  name  is  love 
Ye  saints  and  angels,  if  ye  can, 
Declare  the  grace  of  God  to  man. 

2  Messiah's  come  :  with  joy  behold 
The  days  by  prophets  long  foretold. 
Judah,  thy  royal  sceptre's  broke, 

And  time  still  proves  what  Jacob  spoke. 

3  Daniel,  thy  weeks  are  all  expir'd, 
The  time  prophetic  seals  requir'd : 
Cut  off  for  sins,  but  not  his  own, 
Thy  Prince,  Messiah,  did  atone. 

4  We  see  the  prophecies  fulfill' d 

In  Jesus,  God's  most  "  holy  child." 
His  birth,  his  life,  his  death  combine, 
To  prove  his  character  divine. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  365 

Hymn  542.  p.  m.  7s.  &  6s. 

Psaliu  lxxii, 

1  XT  AIL  to  the  Lord's  Anointed, 
11  Great  David's  greater  Son! 
Hail,  in  the  time  appointed, 

His  reign  on  earth  begun ! 
He  comes  to  break  oppression, 

To  set  the  captive  free ; 
To  take  away  transgression, 

And  rule  in  equity. 

2  He  comes  with  succour  speedy 

To  those  who  suffer  wrong ; 
To  help  the  poor  and  needy, 

And  bid  the  weak  be  strong : 
To  give  them  songs  for  sighing; 

Their  darkness  turn  to  light, 
Whose  souls,  condemn' d  and  dying, 

Were  precious  in  his  sight. 

3  He  shall  descend  like  showers 

Upon  the  fruitful  earth  ; 
And  love,  joy,  hope,  like  flowers, 

Spring  in  his  path  to  birth. 
Before  him,  on  the  mountains, 

Shall  peace,  the  herald,  go ; 
And  righteousness,  in  fountains, 

From  hill  to  valley  flow. 

4  For  him  shall  pray'r  unceasing 

And  daily  vows  ascend ; 
His  kingdom  still  increasing, 

A  kingdom  without  end. 
The  tide  of  time  shall  never 

His  covenant  remove ; 
His  name  shall  stand  for  ever; 

That  name  to  us  is — love. 


366  additional  hymns. 

Hymn  543.  l.m. 

Salvation  through  Jesus. 

1  FTIO  God,  of  ev'ry  good  the  spring, 

JL     The  tribute  of  your  praises  bring, 
For  grace  and  truth  through  Jesus  giv'n, 
Mercy  and  peace  and  hopes  of  heav'n. 

2  Grateful  the  joyous  news  proclaim, 
Salvation  is  in  Jesus'  name. 
Salvation !  shout  the  glorious  sound, 
Proclaim  it  to  the  world  around. 

3  Tell  ev'ry  fearful,  trembling  soul, 

The  word  of  Christ  will  make  him  whole. 
Invite  the  hungry  poor  to  come ; 
At  Jesus'  feast  there  still  is  room. 

4  Jesus  !  that  name  shall  calm  their  fears, 
Dispel  their  doubts,  and  dry  their  tears, 
Give  ease  to  ev'ry  throbbing  breast, 
And  to  the  sorrowing  mourner  rest. 

5  Jesus,  our  Prophet,  Saviour,  King ! 
For  Jesus  grateful  praise  we  bring 

To  thee  from  whom  his  blessings  flow'd ; 
To  thee,  our  Father  and  our  God. 


H 


Hymn  544.  l.  m. 

Jesus  teaching  the  People. 

OW  sweetly  flow'd  the  gospel's  sound 
From  lips  of  gentleness  and  grace, 
When  list'ning  thousands  gathered  round, 
And  joy  and  rev'rence  fill'd  the  place. 

From  heav'n  he  came,  of  heav'n  he  spoke, 
To  heav'n  he  led  his  foll'wers?  way: 

Dark  clouds  of  gloomy  night  he  broke, 
Unveiling  an  immortal  day. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  367 

3  'Come,  wand'rers,  to  my  Father's  home; 
Come,  all  ye  weary  ones,  and  rest !  " 

Yi  a,  sacred  Teacher,  we  will  come, 
Obey  thee,  love  thee,  and  be  blest. 

4  Decay,  then,  tenements  of  dust ! 
Pillars  of  earthly  pride,  decay ! 
A  nobler  mansion  waits  the  just, 
And  Jesus  has  prepared  the  way. 

Hymn  545.  c.  m. 

Christ,  the  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the  Life. 

1  ~|~    ORD,  should  we  leave  thy  hallow' d  feet, 

I   I   To  whom  could  we  repair? 
Where  else  such  holy  comforts  meet, 
As  spring  perennial  there  % 

2  Thou  art  the  way — through  thee  alone 

From  sin  and  death  we  flee : 
And  he  who  would  the  Father  seek, 
Must  seek  him,  Lord,  by  thee. 

3  Thou  art  the  truth — thy  word  alone 

Sound  wisdom  can  impart : 
Thou  only  canst  inform  the  mind, 
And  purify  the  heart. 

4  Thou  art  the  life — the  rending  tomb 

Proclaims  thy  conqu'ring  arm: 

And  those  who  put  their  trust  in  thee, 

Xor  death  nor  heil  shall  harm. 

5  Thou  art  the  way,  the  truth,  the  life : 

Grant  us  that  way  to  know, 
That  truth  to  keep,  that  life  to  win, 
Whose  joys  eternal  flow. 

Hymn  546.  c.  m. 

Excellency  of  the  religion  of  Jesus, 
1   TS  there  on  earth  a  nobler  name 
JL  Than  Jesus  to  be  found  ? 
32 


368  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Who  can  assert  a  higher  claim, 
Or  more  with  truth  abound  ? 
2  The  Son  of  God,  adorned  with  grace, 
Commission' d  from  above, 
He  bears  to  our  rebellious  race 
The  messages  of  love. 

S  Behold  his  gentle  spirit  feel 
The  sufT rings  of  mankind; 
And  with  a  word  the  sorrows  heal 
Of  body  and  of  mind. 

4  How  lofty  were  the  truths  he  taught ! 

How  pure  the  life  he  led  ! 
And  shall  another  Lord  be  sought, 
And  we  disown  our  Head  ? 

5  Asham'd  of  Jesus,  shall  we  let 

This  precious  Saviour  go? 
And,  basely,  at  defiance  set 
Him  who  hath  lov'd  us  so? 

6  Forbid  it,  Lord !  nor  let  us  yield 

To  this  unworthy  shame : 
Let  each,  with  holy  courage  fill'd, 
Rejoice  in  Jesus'  name. 

Hymn  547.  l.  m. 

"  See,  how  He  loved" 

1  C1EE  how  he  lov'd !  exclaim'd  the  Jews, 
O  When  Jesus  sympathizing  wept : 
My  grateful  heart  the  words  shall  use, 

While  on  his  life  mine  eye  is  kept. 

2  See  how  he  lov'd,  who  travel!' d  on 

Teaching  the  doctrine  from  the  skies; 
Who  bade  disease  and.  pain  be  gone, 
And  called  the  sleeping  dead  to  rise. 

3  See  how  he  lov'd,  who  never  shrank 

From  toil  or  danger,  pain  or  death ; 


B 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  369 

P>ut  all  the  cup  of  sorrow  drank, 
And  meekly  yielded  up  his  breath. 

And  shall  such  love  meet  no  return? 

Nor  wake  the  passions  of  the  breast  ? 
Shall  not  our  grateful  bosoms  burn, 

To  prove  our  love  by  ev'ry  test? 

Ves,  we  will  love  thee,  Saviour,  guide, 
For  thou  hast  lov'd  us,  O  how  well ! 

More  than  all  earthly  friends  beside, 
More  than  our  feeble  lips  can  tell ! 

Hymn  548.  l.  m. 

"Behold  the  Man!" 

EHOLD  the  man  !  how  glorious  he  ! 
Before  his  foes  he  stands  unaw'd, 
And,  without  wrong  or  blasphemy, 
He  claims  to  be  the  Son  of  God. 

2  Behold  the  man!  by  all  condemn' d, 

Assaulted  by  a  host  of  foes ; 
His  person  and  his  truths  contemn' d, 
A  man  of  suff'  rings  and  of  woes. 

3  Behold  the  man !  so  weak  he  seems, 

His  awful  word  inspires  no  fear : 
But  soon  must  he  who  now  blasphemes, 
Before  his  judgment-seat  appear. 

4  Behold  the  man !  though  scorn' d  below, 

He  bears  the  greatest  name  above ; 
The  angels  at  his  footstool  bow, 
And  all  his  royal  claims  approve. 

Hymn  549.  c.  m. 

Redemption  by  the  Cross  of  Christ. 

1   T>  EHOLD  the  Saviour  on  the  cross, 
_D   A  spectacle  of  wo  ! 


370  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

See  from  his  agonizing  wounds 
The  blood  incessant  flow ; 

2  Till  death's  pale  ensigns  o'er  his  cheek 

And  trembling  lips  were  spread ; 
Till  light  forsook  his  closing  eyes, 
And  life  his  drooping  head. 

3  'Tis  finish' d — the  Messiah  dies 

For  sins,  but  not  his  own ; 
The  great  redemption  is  complete, 
And  death  is  overthrown. 

4  'Tis  finish' d — all  his  groans  are  past; 

His  blood,  his  pain,  and  toils, 
Have  fully  vanquished  our  foes, 
And  crown' d  him  with  their  spoils. 

5  'Tis  finish' d — ritual  worship  ends, 

And  gospel  ages  run : 
All  old  things  now  are  pass'd  away, 
A  new  world  is  begun. 

Hymn  550.  p.  m.  s,  s,  &  6s. 

1  Corinth,  xv.  56,  57. 

1  TTAIL  !  to  the  heav'nly  pow'r  which  broke 
JL1  The  strength  of  sin's  tyrannic  yoke, 

And  freed  our  captive  race ; 
Did  all  the  rage  of  hell  confound, 
And  gave  to  death  its  fatal  wound : 

All  hail,  victorious  grace  ! 

2  Hail !  to  the  friend  of  human  kind, 
Who  to  the  cross  himself  resign' d, 

To  succour  man  distrest ; 
Who  could  unnumber'd  wrongs  forgive, 
Who  groan' d,  the  rebel  to  relieve, 

And  died,  to  make  him  blest ! 

3  Saviour !  to  thee  our  souls  we  owe, 
Our  peace  and  sweetest  joys  below, 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  371 

And  brightest  hopes  above. 
Then  let  our  lives  and  all  that's  ours, 
Our  souls,  and  all  our  active  pow'rs, 

Be  sacred  to  thy  love  ' 

4  O  when  shall  that  great  day  arise, 
When,  in  full  splendour,  to  our  eyes 

Thy  glories  shall  appear  ! 
Then,  in  a  far  more  noble  strain, 
We'll  praise  thee  on  the  blissful  plain,      * 
Through  heav'n's  eternal  year. 

HYMN    551.     P.  M.  8s&7s. 

Isaiah  lxiii.  1 — 4. 

1  T/1/"H0  is  this  that  comes  from  Edom, 

▼  V      All  his  raiment  stain' d  with  blood, 
To  the  captive  speaking  freedom, 
Bringing  and  bestowing  good  ? 

2  'Tis  the  Saviour,  now  victorious, 

Traveling:  onward  in  his  might. 
JTis  the  Saviour ;  0  how  glorious 
To  his  people  is  the  sight ! 

3  Why  that  blood  his  raiment  staining  7 

Tis  the  blood  of  many  slain  : 

Of  his  foes  there's  none  remaining, 

None  the  contest  to  maintain. 

4  Mighty  Victor,  reign  for  ever  ! 

Wear  the  crown  so  dearly  won ! 
Never  shall  thy  people,  never, 

Cease  to  sing  what  thou  hast  done  ! 

Hymn  552.  l.  m. 

Gratitude  for  Christ's  Sufferings. 
1     TESUS,  when  faith  with  fixed  eyes 
*s    Beholds  thy  wondrous  sacrifice, 
32* 


372  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Love  rises  to  an  ardent  flame, 
And  we  can  glory  in  thy  name. 

2  With  cold  affections  who  can  see 

The  thorns,  the  scourge,  the  nails,  the  tree, 
Thy  flowing  tears  and  dewy  sweat, 
Thy  bleeding  hands,  and  head,  and  feet ! 

3  Jesus,  what  millions  of  our  race 
Have  been  the  triumphs  of  thy  grace  ! 
And  millions  more  to  thee  shall  fly, 
And  on  thy  covenant  rely. 

4  The  sorrow,  shame,  and  death  were  thine : 
But  ours  the  stores  of  grace  divine, 

The  hope,  the  pardon,  life  and  bliss ! 
What  love  can  be  compar'd  to  this? 

Hymn  553.  l.  m. 

Christ's  Passion. 

1  PT1  HE  morning  dawns  upon  the  place, 

JL     Where  Jesus  spent  the  night  in  pray'r: 
Through  yielding  glooms  behold  his  face ; 
Nor  form  nor  comeliness  is  there. 

2  Last  eve,  by  those  he  call' d  his  own, 

Betray' d,  forsaken,  or  deny'd, 
He  met  his  enemies  alone, 

In  all  their  malice,  rage,  and  pride. 

3  No  guile  within  his  mouth  is  found ; 

He  neither  threatens  nor  complains ; 
Meek  as  a  Lamb  for  slaughter  bound, 
Dumb  midst  his  murd'rers  he  remains. 

4  But,  hark  !  he  prays, — 'tis  for  his  foes ; 

He  speaks, — 'tis  comfort  to  his  friends; 
Answers,  and  paradise  bestows ; 

He  bows  his  head,  the  conflict  ends. 

5  Truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God  ! 

— Though  in  a  servant's  mean  disguise, 


ADDITIONAL   HYMN8.  373 

And  bruis'd  beneath  the  Father's  rod — 
Not  for  himself — for  man  he  dies. 

Hymn  554.  p.  m.  7s. 

Christ1  s  Example  in  Suffering. 

1  /^  O  to  dark  Gethsemane, 

vJ~  Ye  that  feel  temptation's  power ; 
Your  Redeemer's  conflict  see ; 

Watch  with  him  one  bitter  hour. 
Turn  not  from  his  griefs  away; 
Learn  of  Jesus  Christ  to  pray. 

2  See  him  at  the  judgment-hall, 

Beaten,  bound,  revil'd,  arraign'd : 
See  him  meekly  bearing  all ! 

Love  to  man  his  soul  sustain'd ! 
Shun  not  suffring,  shame,  or  loss  : 
Learn  of  Christ  to  bear  the  cross. 

3  Calv'ry's  mournful  mountain  climb; 

There,  admiring  at  his  feet, 
M ark  that  miracle  of  time, 

God's  own  sacrifice  complete  ! 
"It  is  finish' d,"  hear  him  cry  : — 
Learn  of  Jesus  Christ  to  die. 

4  Early  hasten  to  the  tomb, 

Where  they  laid  his  breathless  clay. 
All  is  solitude  and  gloom  : 

— Who  has  taken  him  away  ? 
Christ  is  ris'n;  he  meets  our  eyes, 
Saviour,  teach  us  so  to  rise. 

Hymn  555.  c.  m. 

The  Example  of  Jesus  followed  by  his  faithful  Ser. 
vants. 

1    /^  IVE  me  the  wings  of  faith,  to  rise 
vT  Within  the  veil,  and  see 


374  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

The  saints  above,  how  great  their  joys, 
How  bright  their  glories  be  ! 

2  Once  they  were  mourners  here  below ; 

Their  eyes  were  dimm'd  with  tears; 
And  hard  they  strove,  as  we  would  now, 
With  sins,  and  doubts,  and  fears. 

3  And  ask  we,  whence  their  vict'ry  came? 

They  with  united  breath 
Ascribe  their  conquests  to  the  Lamb, 
Their  triumphs  to  his  death. 

4  They  marked  the  footsteps  that  he  trod ; 

His  zeal  inspir'd  their  breast; 
And  foil' wing  their  victorious  Lord. 
Possess' d  the  promis'd  rest. 

5  Our  glorious  Leader  claims  our  praise 

For  his  own  pattern  giv'n : 
While  the  long  cloud  of  witnesses 
Show  the  same  path  to  heav'n. 

Hymn  556.  c.  m. 

The  Example  of  Jesus  followed  by  the  Martyrs. 

1  np  HE  Son  of  God  goes  forth  to  war, 

JL     A  kingly  crown  to  gain ; 
His  blood-red  banner  streams  afar : 

Who  follows  in  his  train  ? — 
Who  best  can  drink  his  cup  of  wo, 

Triumphant  over  pain ; 
Who  patient  bears  his  cross  below ; 

He  follows  in  his  train. 

2  The  martyr  first,  whose  eagle  eye 

Could  pierce  beyond  the  grave ; 
Who  saw  his  master  in  the  sky, 

And  call'd  on  him  to  save. 
Like  him,  with  pardon  on  his  tongue, 

In  midst  of  mortal  pain, 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  375 

He  pray'd  for  them  that  did  the  wrong. 
Who  follows  in  his  train? 

3  A  glorious  band,  the  chosen  few, 

On  whom  the  Spirit  came  : 
Twelve  valiant  saints :  their  hope  they  knew, 

And  mockM  the  cross  and  flame. 
They  met  the  tyrant's  brandish' d  steel, 

The  lion's  gory  mane ; 
They  bow'd  their  necks  the  death  to  feel. 

Who  follows  in  their  train? 

4  A  noble  army — men  and  boys, 

The  matron  and  the  maid, 
Around  the  Saviour's  throne  rejoice, 

In  robes  of  light  array'd. 
They  climb'd  the  steep  ascent  of  heav'n, 

Through  peril,  toil,  and  pain. 
O  God,  to  us  may  grace  be  giv'n, 

To  follow  in  their  train  ! 

Hymn  557.  l.  m. 

Rising  with  Christ. 

\  "^V7"E  faithful  souls,  who  Jesus  know, 
JL    If  ris'n  indeed  with  him  ye  are, 
Superior  to  the  joys  below, 

His  resurrection's  power  declare. 

2  Your  faith  by  holy  tempers  prove ; 

By  actions  show  your  sins  forgiv'n ; 
And  seek  the  glorious  things  above, 

And  follow  Christ,  your  head,  to  heav'n. 

3  To  him  continually  aspire, 

Contending  for  your  native  place ; 
And  emulate  the  angel-choir, 
And  only  live  to  love  and  praise. 

4  Your  real  life,  with  Christ  conceal' d, 

Deep  in  the  Father's  bosom  lies ; 


376  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

And  glorious  as  your  Head  reveal' d, 
Ye  soon  shall  meet  him  in  the  skies. 

Hymn  558.  l.  m. 

The  last  Advent  of  Christ. 

1  nn  HE  Lord  will  come !  the  earth  shall  quake, 

X     The  hills  their  fixed  seat  forsake ; 
And,  with' ring,  from  the  vault  of  night 
The  stars  withdraw  their  feeble  light. 

2  The  Lord  will  come !  but  not  the  same 
As  once  in  lowly  form  he  came, 

A  silent  lamb  to  slaughter  led, 

The  bruis'd,  the  suff'ring,  and  the  dead. 

3  The  Lord  will  come  !  a  dreadful  form, 
With  wreath  of  flame,  and  robe  of  storm, 
On  cherub  wings,  and  wings  of  wind, 
Anointed  Judge  of  human  kind  ! 

4  Can  this  be  he,  who  wont  to  stray, 
A  pilgrim  on  the  world's  highway ; 

By  pow'r  oppress' d,  and  mock'd  by  pride? 
Oh,  God !  is  this  the  crucify'  dl 

5  Go,  tyrants !  to  the  rocks  complain! 
Go,  seek  the  mountain's  cleft  in  vain! 
But  faith,  victorious  o'er  the  tomb, 
Shall  sing  for  joy — the  Lord  is  come  ! 

Hymn  559.  cm. 

The  Kingdom  of  Christ. 

1  T>EHOLD  !  the  mountain  of  the  Lord 
_tS   In  latter  days  shall  rise, 

Above  the  mountains  and  the  hills, 
And  draw  the  wond'ring  eyes. 

2  To  this  the  joyful  nation's  round, 

All  tribes  and  tongues  shall  flow ; 


ADDITIONAL  HYMNS.  377 

"Up  to  the  hill  of  God,"  they  say, 
"And  to  his  courts  we'll  go.'' 

3  The  beams  that  shine  on  Zion's  hill 

Shall  lighten  ev'ry  land: 
The  King  who  reigns  in  Zion's  tow'rs, 
Shall  all  the  world  command. 

4  No  longer  hosts  encount'ring  hosts, 

Their  millions  slain  deplore : 
They  hang  the  trumpet  in  the  hall, 
And  study  war  no  more. 

5  Come,  then — Oh,  come  from  ev'ry  land, 

To  worship  at  his  shrine ; 
And,  walking  in  the  light  of  God, 
With  holy  beauties  shine. 

Hymn  560.  p.  m. 

The  spread  of  Chris? s  Kingdom,  to  be  desired  and 

promoted. 


F 


ROM  Greenland's  icy  mountains, 
From  India's  coral  strand, 
Where  Afric's  sunny  fountains 
Roll  down  their  golden  sand ; 
From  many  an  ancient  river, 
From  many  a  palmy  plain, 
They  call  us  to  deliver 

Their  land  from  error's  chain. 

What  though  the  spicy  breezes 

Blow  soft  o'er  Ceylon's  isle; 
Though  ev'ry  prospect  pleases, 

And  only  man  is  vile : 
In  vain  with  lavish  kindness 

The  gifts  of  God  are  strown : 
The  heathen,  in  his  blindness, 

Bows  down  to  wood  and  stone. 


378  ADDITIONAL  HYMNS. 

3  Shall  we,  whose  souls  are  lighted 

With  wisdom  from  on  high, 
Shall  we  to  men  benighted 

The  lamp  of  life  deny  ? 
Salvation  !  O  salvation ! 

The  joyful  sound  proclaim,      tg 
Till  each  remotest  nation, 

Has  learn' d  Messiah's  name. 

4  Waft,  waft,  ye  winds,  his  story, 

And  you,  ye  waters,  roll, 
Till,  like  a  sea  of  glory, 

It  spreads  from  pole  to  pole ; 
Till  o'er  our  ransom' d  nature 

The  Lamb  for  sinners  slain, 
Redeemer,  King,  Creator, 

In  bliss  returns  to  reign. 


Hymn  561.  l.  m. 

SPIRIT  of  the  living  God! 
In  all  thy  plenitude  of  grace, 
Where'er  the  foot  of  man  hath  trod, 
Descend  on  our  benighted  race  ! 


o 


2  Give  tongues  of  fire  and  hearts  of  love, 

To  preach  the  reconciling  word ; 
Give  pow'r  and  unction  from  above, 
Where'er  the  joyful  sound  is  heard. 

3  Be  darkness,  at  thy  coming,  light ; 

Confusion,  order,  in  thy  path ; 
Souls  without  strength  inspire  with  might ; 
Bid  mercy  triumph  over  wrath. 

4  Convert  the  nations  :  far  and  nigh 

The  triumphs  of  the  cross  record ; 
The  name  of  Jesus  glorify, 

Till  ev'ry  people  call  him  Lord. 


additional  hymns.  379 

Hymn  562.  l.  m. 

Daniel  ii.  45. 

1  T71  XERT  thy  pow'r,  thy  rights  maintain, 

l^i    Insulted,  everlasting  King  ! 
The  influence  of  thy  crown  increase, 
And  strangers  to  thy  footstool  bring. 

2  We  long  to  see  that  happy  time, 

That  promis'd  and  expected  day, 
When  countless  myriads  of  our  race 
The  second  Adam  shall  obey. 

3  The  prophecy  must  be  fulfill'd, 

Though  earth  and  hell  should  dare  oppose; 
The  stone  cut  from  the  mountain's  side, 
Though  unobserv'd,  to  empire  grows. 

4  Soon  shall  the  blended  image  fall, 

Brass,  silver,  iron,  gold,  and  clay ; 
And  superstition's  gloomy  reign 
To  light  and  liberty  give  way. 

5  In  one  sweet  symphony  of  praise, 

Gentile  and  Jew  shall  then  unite : 
And  infidelity,  asham'd, 

Sink  in  th!  abyss  of  endless  night. 

6  From  east  to  west,  from  north  to  south, 

Immanuel's  kingdom  shall  extend; 
And  ev:ry  man,  in  ev'ry  face, 

Shall  meet  a  brother  and  a  friend. 

Hymn  563.  p.  m.  8,8,  &es. 

Spread  of  the  Gospel  in  the  New  Settlements  of  the 
United  States. 


w 


HEN,  Lord,  to  this  our  western  land, 
Led  by  thy  providential  hand, 
Our  wand' ring  fathers  came : 
33 


380  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Their  ancient  homes,  their  friends  in  youth, 
Sent  forth  the  heralds  of  thy  truth, 
To  keep  them  in  thy  name. 

2  Then,  through  our  solitary  coast, 
The  desert  features  soon  were  lost ; 

Thy  temples  there  arose  : 
Our  shores,  as  culture  made  them  fair, 
Were  hallow' d  by  thy  rites,  by  pray'r, 

And  blossom' d  as  the  rose. 

3  And,  O !  may  we  repay  this  debt 
To  regions  solitary  yet 

Within  our  spreading  land ! 
There,  brethren  from  our  common  home 
Still  westward,  like  our  fathers,  roam ; 

Still  guided  by  thy  hand. 

4  Father  !  we  own  this  debt  of  love  : 
O  shed  thy  Spirit  from  above, 

To  move  each  Christian  breast ; 
Till  heralds  shall  thy  truth  proclaim, 
And  temples  raise  to  fix  thy  name 

Through  all  our  desert  west. 

Hymn  564.  p.  m.  7s. 

Revelation  xiv.  2,  3. 

ARK  !  the  song  of  Jubilee 
Loud  as  mighty  thunders  roar, 


H 


Or  the  fulness  of  the  sea, 

When  it  breaks  upon  the  shore. 

2  Hallelujah  !  for  the  Lord 

God  omnipotent  shall  reign. 
Hallelujah  !  let  the  word 

Echo  round  the  earth  and  main. 

3  See  Jehovah's  banner  furl'd, 

Sheath'd  his  sword :  he  speaks — 'tis  done; 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  381 

And  the  kingdoms  of  this  world 
Are  the  kingdoms  of  his  Son. 

4  He  shall  reign  from  pole  to  pole 

With  illimitable  sway  : 
He  shall  reign,  when  like  a  scroll 
Yonder  heav'ns  have  pass'd  away. 

5  Then  the  end  : — beneath  his  rod 

Man's  last  enemy  shall  fall. 
Hallelujah  !  Christ  "in  God, 
God  in  Christ,  is  all  in  all. 

Hymn  565.  p.  m.  8s&7S. 

The  Church,  the  City  of  God. 
Psalm  lxxvii.  3.     Isaiah  xxxiii.  20,  21. 

1  fi  LORIOUS  things  of  thee  are  spoken, 
vT~  Zion,  city  of  our  God  ! 

He  whose  word  cannot  be  broken, 
Form'd  thee  for  his  own  abode. 

2  On  the  rock  of  ages  founded, 

What  can  shake  thy  sure  repose? 
With  salvation's  walls  surrounded, 
Thou  may' st  smile  at  all  thy  foes. 

3  See,  the  streams  of  living  waters, 

Springing  from  eternal  love, 
Well  supply  thy  sons  and  daughters, 
And  all  fear  of  want  remove. 

4  Who  can  faint,  while  such  a  river 

Ever  flows  thy  thirst  t'  assuage  7 
Grace,  which,  like  the  Lord,  the  giver, 
Never  fails  from  age  to  age. 

Hymn  566.  c.  m. 

For  Whit- sunday. 
1    O  PIRIT  of  truth,  on  this  thy  day 
k^   To  thee  for  help  we  cry, 


382  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

To  guide  us  through  the  dreary  way 
Of  dark  mortality ! 

2  We  ask  not,  Lord,  the  cloven  flame, 

Or  tongues  of  various  tone  : 
But  long  thy  praises  to  proclaim 
With  fervour  in  our  own. 

3  We  mourn  not,  that  prophetic  skill 

Is  found  on  earth  no  more  : 
Enough  for  us,  to  trace  thy  will 
In  scripture's  sacred  lore. 

4  No  heav'nly  harpings  soothe  our  ear, 

No  mystic  dreams  we  share : 

Yet  hope  to  feel  thy  comfort  near, 

And  bless  thee 'in  our  pray'r. 

5  When  tongues  shall  cease,  and  pow'r  decay, 

And  knowledge  empty  prove, 
Do  thou  thy  trembling  servants  stay 
With  faith,  and  hope,  and  love. 

Hymn  567.  s.  m. 

The  Divine  Spirit,  the  Teacher,  Supporter,  and 
Comforter. 

1  ^F'HE  Saviour,  ere  he  breath'd 

JL     His  tender,  last  farewell, 
A  Guide,  a  Comforter,  bequeath' d, 
With  us  on  earth  to  dwell. 

2  He  came  in  tongues  of  flame, 

To  teach,  convince,  subdue : 
All  pow'rful  as  the  wind  he  came, 
To  sense  as  viewless  too. 

3  His  is  the  voice  we  hear, 

Soft  as  the  breath  of  ev'n, 
That  checks  each  fault,  that  calms  each  fear, 
And  speaks  to  us  of  heav'n. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  383 

4  Each  virtue  we  possess, 

Each  vict'ry  we  have  won, 
And  ev'ry  thought  of  holiness, 
Are  his,  and  his  alone. 

5  Spirit  of  might  and  grace, 

Our  weakness  pitying  see  : 
O  make  our  hearts  thy  dwelling-place, 
A  temple  worthier  thee. 

Hymn  568.  l.  m. 

Teachings  of  the  Spirit. 

1  /^1  OME,  blessed  Spirit,  source  of  light, 
V7   Whose  pow'r  and  grace  are  unconfin'd, 
Dispel  the  gloomy  shades  of  night, 

The  thicker  darkness  of  the  mind. 

2  To  mine  illumin'd  eyes  display 

The  glorious  truth  thy  word  reveals ; 
Cause  me  to  run  thy  heav'nly  way ; 
The  book  unfold,  unloose  the  seals. 

3  Thine  inward  teachings  make  me  know, 

The  my st' ries  of  redeeming  love, 
The  emptiness  of  things  below, 
The  excellence  of  things  above. 

4  While  through  this  dubious  maze  I  stray, 

Spread,  like  the  sun,  thy  beams  abroad. 
To  show  the  dangers  of  the  way, 
And  guide  my  feeble  steps  to  God. 


H 


Hymn  569.  p.  m.  &  &  7s. 

Comforts  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
OLY  Ghost !  dispel  our  sadness, 


Pierce  the  clouds  of  nature's  night: 
Come,  thou  source  of  joy  and  gladness, 
Breathe  thy  life  and  spread  thy  light. 
33* 


384  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

2  Come,  thou  best  of  all  donations 

God  can  give,  or  man  implore  ! 
Having  thy  sweet  consolations, 
We  need  wish  for  nothing  more. 

3  Author  of  the  new  creation ! 

Come  with  unction  and  with  pow'r; 
Make  our  hearts  thy  habitation ; 
On  our  souls  thy  graces  show'r. 

4  Manifest  thy  love  for  ever ; 

Fence  us  in  on  ev'ry  side; 
In  distress  be  our  reliever ; 

Guard  and  teach,  support  and  guide. 

5  Hear,  oh,  hear  our  supplication, 

Blessed  Spirit !  God  of  peace  ! 
Rest  upon  this  congregation 
With  the  fulness  of  thy  grace. 

Hymn  570.  s.  m. 

Man's  Dependence  on  Divine  Succours. 

1  ^1^0  keep  the  lamp  alive, 

JL     With  oil  we  fill  the  bowl : 
'Tis  water  makes  the  willow  thrive, 
And  grace  that  feeds  the  soul. 

2  The  Lord's  unsparing  hand 

Supplies  the  living  stream  : 
It  is  not  at  our  own  command, 
But  still  deriv'd  from  him. 

3  Man's  wisdom  is  to  seek 

His  strength  in  God  alone ; 
And  e'en  an  angel  would  be  weak, 
Who  trusted  in  his  own. 

4  Retreat  beneath  his  wings, 

And  in  his  grace  confide : 
This  more  exalts  the  King  of  kings, 
Than  all  your  works  beside. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  385 

5  In  God  is  all  our  store ; 

Grace  issues  from  his  throne. 
Whoever  says,  "  I  want  no  more," 
Confesses  he  has  none. 

Hymn  571.  s.  m. 

Philippians  ii.  12,  13. 

1  TTEIRS  of  unending  life, 
11  While  yet  we  sojourn  nere, 
O  let  us  our  salvation  work 

With  trembling  and  with  fear ! 

2  God  will  support  our  souls 

With  might  before  unknown. 
The  work  to  be  perform' d  is  ours; 
The  strength  is  all  his  own. 

3  !Tis  he  that  works  to  will, 

'Tis  he  that  works  to  do : 
His  is  the  pow'r  by  which  we  act: 
His  be  the  glory  too  ! 

Hymn  572.  p.  m.  7s. 

The  Fruitfulness  and  Happiness  of  the  Godly 
spring  from  God.     Psalm  i.  3. 

1  T>LESSED  state,  and  happy  he, 
J3    Who  is  like  that  planted  tree ! 
Living  waters  lave  his  root : 
Bends  his  bough  with  golden  fruit. 

2  Thine,  O  Lord !  the  pow'r  and  praise, 
Which  a  sight  like  this  displays. 
Pow'r  of  thine  must  plant  it  there : 
Praise  of  thee  it  should  declare. 

3  Thou  must  first  prepare  the  ground, 
Sow  the  seed,  and  fence  it  round. 


386  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS, 

Streams  that  water,  suns  that  shine, 
Each  and  all  are  ever  thine. 

4  When  the  seedling  from  its  bed 
First  lifts  up  its  timid  head, 
Ministry  of  thine  must  give 
All  on  which  its  life  can  live. 

5  Show'rs  from  thee  must  bid  it  thrive; 
Breath  of  thine  must  oft  revive ; 
Light  from  thee  its  bloom  supplies ; 
Left  by  thee,  it  fades  and  dies. 

6  Whose,  then,  when  a  tree  up-grown, 
Should  its  fruit  be,  but  thine  own  ? 
And  thy  glorious  heritage 

Is  its  fadeless  leaf  in  age. 

Hymn  573.  l.  m. 

The  Scriptures  our  Light  and  Guide, 

1  T7E7"HEN  Israel  through  the  desert  pass'd, 

u      A  fiery  pillar  went  before, 
To  guide  them  through  the  dreary  waste, 
And  lessen  the  fatigues  they  bore. 

2  Such  is  thy  glorious  word,  O  God  ! 

'Tis  for  our  light  and  guidance  giv'n: 
It  sheds  a  lustre  all  abroad, 

And  points  the  path  to  bliss  and  heav'n. 

3  It  fills  the  soul  with  sweet  delight, 

And  quickens  its  inactive  pow'rs: 
It  sets  our  wand' ring  footsteps  right ;   ■ 
Displays  thy  love,  and  kindles  ours. 

4  Its  promises  rejoice  our  hearts ; 

Its  doctrines  are  divinely  true  : 

Knowledge  and  pleasure  it  imparts ; 

It  comforts  and  instructs  us  too. 

5  Ye  favoured  lands,  who  have  this  word! 

Ye  saints,  who  feel  its  saving  pow'r! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  387 

Unite  your  tongues  to  praise  the  Lord, 
And  his  distinguish' d  grace  adore. 

Hymn  574.  c.  m. 

Instruction  from  Scripture. 
OW  shall  the  young  secure  their  hearts 


H 


And  guard  their  lives  from  sin  1 
Thy  word  the  choicest  rules  imparts, 
To  keep  the  conscience  clean. 

2  When  once  it  enters  to  the  mind, 

It  spreads  such  light  abroad, 
The  meanest  souls  instruction  find, 
And  raise  their  thoughts  to  God. 

3  The  starry  heav'ns  thy  ri^e  obey, 

The  earth  maintains  her  place ; 
And  these  thy  servants,  night  and  day, 
Thy  skill  and  power  express. 

4  But  still  thy  law  and  gospel,  Lord, 

Have  lessons  more  divine  : 
Not  earth  stands  firmer  than  thy  word, 
Nor  stars  so  nobly  shine. 

5  Thy  word  is  everlasting  truth  ; 

How  pure  is  ev'ry  page  ! 
That  holy  book  shall  guide  our  youth, 
And  well  support  our  age. 

Hymn  575.  c.  m. 

The  Seed  of  the  Word. 

1  "j       ORX)  of  the  harvest,  God  of  grace ! 
I    1   Send  down  thy  heav'nly  rain : 

In  vain  we  plant  without  thine  aid, 
And  water  too  in  vain. 

2  May  no  vain  thoughts,  those  birds  of  prey, 

Defraud  us  of  our  gain ; 


388  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Nor  anxious  cares,  those  baleful  thorns, 
Choke  up  the  precious  grain. 

3  Ne'er  may  our  hearts  be  like  the  rock, 

Where  but  the  blade  can  spring ; 
Which,  scorched  with  heat,  becomes  by  noon, 
A  dead,  a  useless  thing. 

4  Let  not  the  joys  thy  gospel  gives, 

A  transient  rapture  prove ; 
Nor  may  the  world  by  smiles  and  frowns 
Our  faith  and  hope  remove. 

5  But  may  our  hearts,  like  fertile  soil, 

Receive  this  heav'nly  word: 
So  shall  our  fair  and  ripen' d  fruits 
Their  hundred  fold  afford. 


w 


Hymn  576.  c.  m. 

God  our  Portion  here  and  hereafter. 
HOM  have  we,  Lord,  in  heav'n  but  thee, 


And  whom  on  earth  beside? 
Where  else  for  succour  can  we  flee, 
Or  in  whose  strength  confide  ? 

2  Thou  art  our  portion  here  below, 

Our  promis'd  bliss  above  : 
Ne'er  may  our  souls  an  object  know 
So  precious  as  thy  love. 

3  When  heart  and  flesh,  0  Lord,  shall  fail, 

Thou  wilt  our  spirits  cheer, 
Support  us  through  life's  thorny  vale, 
And  calm  each  anxious  fear. 

4  Yes,  thou  shalt  be  our  guide  through  life, 

And  help  and  strength  supply ; 
Sustain  us  in  death's  fearful  striife, 
And  welcome  us  on  high. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  389 

Hymn  577.  s.  m. 

God,  the  All-sufficient  Good. 

i   TTERE,  in  a  world  of  doubt, 
i_L  A  sorrowful  abode, 
O  how  my  heart  and  flesh  cry  out 
For  thee,  the  living  God  ! 

2  As  for  the  water-brooks 

The  hart  expiring  pants  : 
So  for  my  God  my  spirit  looks ; 
Yea,  for  his  presence  faints, 

3  I  know  thy  joys,  O  earth ; 

I've  tasted  of  thy  cup, 
And  mingled  in  thy  scenes  of  mirth, 
And  leaned  upon  thy  hope. 

4  But,  ah  1  how  sighs  and  fears 

Those  transient  joys  succeed  ! 
That  cup  of  mirth  is  mixed  with  tears, 
That  hope  is  but  a  reed. 

5  What  have  I  then  below, 

Or  what  but  thee  above? 
Great  God !  O  let  thy  creature  know 
The  fulness  of  thy  love  ! 

Hymn  578.  c.  m. 

Solomon's  Prayer  for  Wisdom. 

1  \  LMIGHTY  God,  in  humble  pray'r 
JLjl.  To  thee  our  souls  we  lift : 

Do  thou  our  waiting  minds  prepare 
For  thy  most  needful  gift. 

2  We  ask  not  golden  streams  of  wealth 

Along  our  path  to  flow ; 
We  ask  not  undecaying  health, 
Nor  length  of  years  below. 


390  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

3  We  ask  not  honours,  which  an  hour 

May  bring  and  take  away  ; 
We  ask  not  pleasure,  pomp,  and  pow'r, 
Lest  we  should  go  astray. 

4  We  ask  for  wisdom : — Lord,  impart 

The  knowledge  how  to  live : 
A  wise  and  understanding  heart 
To  all  before  thee  give. 

5  The  young  remember  thee  in  youth, 

Before  the  evil  day  ! 
The  old  be  guided  by  thy  truth 
In  wisdom's  pleasant  way ! 

Hymn  579.  p.  m.  7s. 

True  Happiness  only  in  God. 

1  TTAPPINESS!  thou  lovely  name, 
JLJL  Where's  thy  seat?  O  tell  me  where? 
Learning,  pleasure,  wealth,  and  fame, 

All  cry  out,  "  It  is  not  here." 

2  Lord,  it  is  not  life  to  live, 

If  thy  presence  thou  deny. 

Lord,  if  thou  thy  presence  give, 

'Tis  no  longer  death  to  die. 

3  Source  and  giver  of  repose, 

Mine  it  is,  if  thou  art  mine. 
Singly  from  thy  smile  it  flows ; 
Peace  and  happiness  are  thine. 

4  Whilst  I  feel  thy  love  to  me, 

Ev'ry  object  yields  me  joy. 

Here  O  may  I  walk  with  thee, 

Then  into  thy  presence  die. 

5  Let  me  but  thyself  possess, 

Real  bliss  I  then  shall  prove — 
Total  sum  of  happiness, 

Heav'n  below  and  heav'n  above ! 


ADDITIONAL    IIYMXS.  391 

Httmn  580.  r.  m. 

The  Christian  Israel. 

THUS  far  on  life's  perplexing  path, 
Tims  far  thou,  Lord,  our  steps  hast  led, 
Snatched  from  the  world's  pursuing  wrath, 

Unharm'd,  though  floods  hung  o'er  our  head1 
Like  ransom'd  Israel  on  the  shore, 
Here  then  we  pause,  look  back,  adore. 
Strangers  and  pilgrims  here  below, 

Like  all  our  Fathers  in  their  day, 
We  to  the  land  of  promise  go, 

Lord,  by  thine  own  appointed  way. 
Still  guide,  illumine,  cheer  our  flight, 
In  cloud  by  day,  in  fire  by  night. 

Protect  us,  through  the  wilderness, 

From  ev'ry  peril,  plague  and  foe: 
With  bread  from  heav'n  thy  people  bless, 

And  living  streams,  where'er  we  go: 
Nor  let  our  rebel  hearts  repine, 
Or  follow  any  voice  but  thine. 
Thy  holy  law  to  us  proclaim. 

But  not  from  Sinai's  top  alone: 
Hid  in  the  rock-cleft,  be  thy  name 

And  all  thy  goodness  to  us  shown : 
And  may  we  never  bow  the  knee 
Or  worship  any  God  but  thee. 

When  we  have  number1  d  all  our  years, 
And  stand  at  length  on  Jordan's  brink, 

Though  the  flesh  fail  with  mortal  fears, 
O  let  not  then  the  spirit  sink : 

But  strong  in  faith,  and  hope,  and  love, 

Plunge  through  the  stream,  to  rise  above. 
34 


392  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS 

Hymn  58 J.  p.m.  8,7, &4s. 

Prayer  for  Direction  and  Support 

1  /"I  UIDE  me,  O  thou  great  Jehovah  ! 
VJT  Pilgrim  through  this  barren  land  r 
I  am  weak,  but  thou  art  mighty, 

Hold  me  with  thy  pow'rful  hand. 
Bread  of  heaven, 

Feed  me  till  I  want  no  more  ! 

2  Open  thou  the  crystal  fountain, 

Whence  the  healing  streams  do  flow: 
Let  the  fiery,  cloudy  pillar 

Lead  me  all  my  journey  through. 
Strong  Deliv'rer, 

Be  thou  still  my  strength  and  shield  I 

3  When  I  tread  the  verge  of  Jordan, 

Bid  my  anxious  fears  subside : 
Death  of  death  and  hell's  destruction, 

Land  me  safe  on  Canaan's  side. 
Songs  of  praises 

I  will  ever  give  to  thee. 

Hymn  582.   p.  m.  s*. 

Prayer  for  God's  Love. 

DRAW  me,  Father !  after  thee, 
So  shall  I  run  and  never  tire. 
With  gracious  words  still  comfort  me; 

Be  thou  my  hope,  my  sole  desire. 
Free  me  from  ev'ry  weight :  nor  fear 
Nor  sin  can  come,  if  thou  art  here. 

From  all  eternity,  with  love 

Unchangeable  thou  hast  me  view'd. 

Ere  knew  this  beating  heart  to  move, 
Thy  tender  mercies  me  pursu'd. 

Ever  with  me  may  they  abide, 

And  close  me  in  on  ev'ry  side. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS,  393 

3  In  suffering,  be  thy  love  ray  peace; 

In  weakness,  be  thy  love  my  pow'r : 
And  when  the  storms  of  life  shall  cease, 

My  God  !  in  that  important  hour, 
In  death  as  life  be  thou  my  guide, 
And  bear  me  through  death's  whelming  tide. 

Hymn  583.  c.  m. 

Lord,  remember  me. 

1  f~\   THOU,  from  whom  all  goodness  flows, 
\J   I  raise  my  soul  to  thee : 

In  all  my  sorrows,  conflicts,  woes, 
Good  Lord,  remember  me ! 

2  When  on  my  aching  burden' d  heart 

My  sins  lie  heavily ; 
Thy  pardon  grant,  new  peace  impart: 
Good  Lord,  remember  me  ! 

3  When  trials  sore  obstruct  my  way,  '    . 

And  ills  I  cannot  flee : 
O  let  my  strength  be  as  my  day : 
Good  Lord,  remember  me ! 

4  When  worn  with  pain,  disease,  and  grie£ 

This  feeble  frame  shall  be; 
Grant  patience,  rest,  and  kind  relief: 
Good  Lord,  remember  me  ! 

5  When  in  the  solemn  hour  of  death 

I  wait  thy  just  decree : 
Be  this  the  pray'r  of  my  last  breath, 
Good  Lord,  remember  me  ! 

6  And  when  before  thy  throne  I  stand 

And  lift  my  soul  to  thee  : 
Then,  with  the  saints  at  thy  right  hand, 
Good  Lord,  remember  me ! 


394  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 


1 


o 


Hymn  584.  c.  m. 

Prayer  for  Divine  Help. 

H,  help  us,  Lord,  each  hour  of  need, 
Thy  heav'nly  succour  give  : 
Help  us,  in  thought,  and  word,  and  deed, 
Each  hour  on  earth  to  live. 

2  Oh,  help  as,  when  our  spirits  bleed, 

With  contrite  anguish  sore; 
And  when  our  hearts  are  cold  and  dead, 
Oh,  help  us,  Lord,  the  more  ! 

3  Oh,  help  us,  through  the  pray'r  of  faith 

More  firmly  to  believe  ! 
For  still  the  more  the  servant  hath, 
The  more  shall  he  receive. 

4  Oh,  help  us,  Father,  from  on  high ! 

We  know  no  help  but  thee : 
Oh,  help  us  so  to  live  and  die, 
As  thine  in  heav'n  to  be  ! 


Hymn  585.  c.  m. 

Preservation  from  the  'power  of  Sin  implored. 

FROM  ev'ry  thought  and  wish  impure, 
Great  God  !  preserve  my  soul 


May  ev'ry  rebel  passion  bow 
To  thy  divine  control ! 

2  Sin  has  a  thousand  treach'rous  arts, 

To  lead  the  soul  aside : 
O  teach  me  all  its  arts  to  shun, 
And  be  my  constant  guide ! 

3  Ne'er  let  me  venture  to  begin 

The  gay,  enchanted  round, 
Where,  in  a  thoughtless,  guilty  maze, 
The  slaves  of  sin  are  found. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  395 

4  O  grant  me  thine  assisting  grace, 

Where'er  I'm  calld  to  go ! 
Upheld  by  thee,  my  cautious  feet 
The  paths  of  peace  shall  know. 

5  Through  all  the  dang'rous  scenes  of  life, 

Deign,  Lord  !  my  way  to  trace; 
And  after  death,  may  I  behold 
With  joy,  thy  holy  face  ! 

Hymn  586.  c.  m. 

1      ,4   LAS,  what  hourly  dangers  rise  I 
11.   What  snares  beset  my  way  ! 
To  heav'n,  O  let  me  lift  mine  eyes, 
And  hourly  watch  and  pray. 

2  O  gracious  God.  in  whom  I  live ! 

My  feeble  efforts  aid  : 
Help  me  to  look  to  thee  and  strive, 
Though  trembling  and  afraid. 

3  Increase  my  faith,  increase  my  hope, 

Lest  foes  and  fears  prevail : 
And  bear  my  fainting  spirit  up, 
Or  soon  my  strength  will  fail. 

4  Whene'er  temptations  fright  my  heart, 

Or  lure  my  feet  aside : 
My  God,  thy  pow'rful  aid  impart, 
My  guardian  and  my  guide ! 

5  O  keep  me  in  the  heav'nly  way, 

And  bid  the  tempter  flee; 

And  let  me  never,  never  stray 

From  happiness  and  thee. 


w 


Hymn  587.  c.  m. 

Human  Frailty. 

EAK  and  irresolute  is  man: 
The  purpose  of  to-day, 
34* 


396  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Woven  with  pains  into  his  plan, 
To-morrow  rends  away. 

2  Some  foe  to  his  upright  intent 

Finds  out  his  weaker  part : 
Virtue  engages  his  assent, 
But  pleasure  wins  his  heart. 

3  Bound  on  a  voyage  of  awful  length, 

Through  dangers  little  known — 
A  stranger  to  superior  strength, 
Man  vainly  trusts  his  own. 

4  But  oars  alone  can  ne'er  prevail 

To  reach  the  distant  coast  : 
The  breath  of  heav'n  must  swell  the  sail, 
Or  all  the  toil  is  lost. 

Hymn  588.  s.  m. 

Trust  of  the  Wicked  and  Righteous  compared. 

1  \  S  parch' d  in  barren  sands, 
-LjL  Beneath  a  burning  sky, 

The  worthless  bramble  with' ring  stands, 
And  only  grows  to  die : 

2  Such  is  the  sinner's  case, 

Who  makes  the  world  his  trust, 
And  dares  his  confidence  to  place 
In  vanity  and  dust. 

3  A  curse  destroys  his  root, 

And  dries  his  moisture  up : 
He  lives  awhile,  and  bears  no  fruit, 
Then  dies  without  a  hope. 

4  Blest  he,  whose  hopes  depend 

Upon  the  Lord  alone  ! 
The  soul  that  trusts  in  such  a  friend, 
Can  ne'er  be  overthrown. 

5  So  thrives  the  tree  whose  roots 

By  constant  streams  are  fed : 


[    Q  INNER,  art  thou  still  secure  ? 
Wilt  thou  still  refuse  to  pray? 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS*  A    397 

Array' (I  in  green,  and  rich  in  fruits, 
It  rears  its  branching  head. 

Hymn  589.  p.  m.ts. 

Prepare  to  meet  thy  God, 

S! 

Can  thy  heart  or  hands  endure 
In  the  Lords  avenging  day? 

2  See,  his  mighty  arm  is  bar'd ! 

Awful  terrors  clothe  his  brow  ! 
For  his  judgment  stand  prepar'd  : 
Thou  nlUst  either  break  or  bow. 

3  Who  his  advent  may  abide  ? 

You  that  glory  in  your  shame, 
Will  you  find  a  place  to  hide, 

When  the  world  is  wrapp'd  in  flame? 

4  Lord,  prepare  us  by  thy  grace  ! 

Soon  we  must  resign  our  breath, 
And  our  souls  be  calfd  to  pass 
Through  the  iron  gate  of  death. 

5  O  may  we  our  day  improve, 

Listen  to  the  gospel  voice, 
Seek  the  things  that  are  above, 
Scorn  the  world's  pretended  joys ! 

Hymn  590.  c.  m. 

God's  Goodness  and  Long- Suffering  should  lead  to 
Repentance. 

1  TTN  GRATEFUL    mortal,  whence  this  scorn 

\J    Of  God's  long-surf  ring  grace? 
And  whence  this  madness  that  insults 
Th'  Almighty  to  his  face  ? 

2  Is  it  because  his  patience  waits 

And  tender  mercies  move, 


398  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Thou  multiply'st  transgressions  more, 
And  scorn' st  his  offer' d  love  % 

3  Dost  thou  not  know,  self-blinded  man, 

His  goodness  is  design' d 
To  wake  repentance  in  thy  soul, 
And  melt  thy  harden' d  mind? 

4  And  wilt  thou  rather  choose  to  meet 

Th'  Almighty  as  thy  foe, 
And  treasure  up  his  wrath  in  store 
Against  the  day  of  wo  % 

5  Soon  shall  that  dreadful  day  approach, 

That  must  thy  sentence  seal, 
And  righteous  judgments,  now  unknown, 
In  solemn  pomp  reveal  : 

6  While  they,  who,  full  of  holy  deeds, 

To  glory  seek  to  rise, 
Continuing  patient  to  the  end, 
Shall  gain  th'  immortal  prize. 

Hymn  591.  p.  m.  7s. 

To-day,  the  Season  of  Mercy. 

1  TTASTEN,  sinner,  to  be  wise; 
JLX  Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun: 
Wisdom  if  you  still  despise, 

Harder  is  it  to  be  won. 

2  Hasten,  mercy  to  implore ; 

Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun : 
Lest  thy  season  should  be  o'er, 
Ere  this  ev'ning's  stage  be  run. 

3  Hasten,  sinner,  to  return ; 

Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun : 
Lest  thy  lamp  should  cease  to  burn, 
Ere  salvation's  work  is  done. 

4  Hasten,  sinner,  to  be  blest ; 

Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun : 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS:  399 

Lest  perdition  the 

Ere  the  morrow  is  begun. 

Hymn  592.    S.  M. 

Gospel  invitations  to  Repentance. 

1  r  ■  1  HE  Spirit,  in  our  hearts, 

JL     Is  whisp'nng,  "Sinner,  come:" 
The  bride,  the  church  of  Christ,  proclaims 
To  all  around  her,  "  Come  !" 

2  Let  him  that  heareth.  say 

To  all  about  him,  '-Come!" 
Let  him  that  thirsts  for  righteousness, 
To  Christ,  the  fountain,  come  ! 

3  Yes,  whosoever  will, 

O  let  him  freely  come, 
And  freely  drink  the  stream  of  life : 
'Tis  Jesus  bids  him  come. 

4  Lo !  Jesus,  who  invites, 

Declares,  "  I  quickly  come ;" 
Lord,  even  so  !  I  wait  thine  hour ; 
Jesus,  my  Saviour,  come  ! 

Hymn  593.  p.  jvl 

The  Gospel  Jubilee. 

1  ~P>  LOW  ye  the  trumpet,  blow 
_I3  The  gladly  solemn  sound ! 
Let  all  the  nations  know, 

To  earth's  remotest  bound. 
The  year  of  jubilee  is  come ; 
Return,  ye  ransom"  d  sinners,  home. 

2  Ye  slaves  of  sin  and  hell, 

Your  liberty  receive ; 
And  safe  in  Jesus  dwell, 
And  blest  in  Jesus  live. 


400  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

The  year  of  jubilee  is  come ; 
Return,  ye  ransom'd  sinners,  home. 

3  The  gospel-trumpet  hear, 

The  news  of  pard'ning  grace ; 

Ye  contrite  souls,  draw  near, 
Behold  your  Saviour's  face. 

The  year  of  jubilee  is  come; 

Return,  ye  ransom'd  sinners,  home. 

Hymn  594.  s.  m. 

Efficacy  of  Repentance. 

1  "  mOGETHER  let  us  plead, 

A     O  sinner,"  saith  the  Lord: 
"  Give  to  the  voice  of  wisdom  heed, 
And  trust  my  faithful  word. 

2  "  Like  scarlet  though  they  glow, 

Or  like  the  crimson  bright, 
Your  sins  shall  soon  be  pure  as  snow, 
As  fleecy  vestures  white." 

3  By  penitence  and  pray'r, 

The  wondrous  change  is  wrought ; 
They  soothe  the  pangs  of  dark  despair, 
And  heal  the  wounded  thought. 

4  Bath'd  in  the  hallow'd  dews 

Of  deep  compunction's  tears, 
The  soul  her  health  and  strength  renews, 
And  meet  for  heav'n  appears. 

5  There  all  the  joyful  host, 

With  acclamations  high 
From  death  her  glad  recov'ry  boast, 
And  welcome  to  the  sky. 


R 


additional  hymns.  401 

Hymn  595.  l.  m. 

The  Soul  returning  to  God. 

ETURN,  my  soul,  unto  thy  rest, 
From  vain  pursuits  and  maddening  cares  j 
From  lonely  woes  that  wring  thy  breast, 
The  world's  allurements,  toils,  and  snares. 

2  Return  unto  thy  rest,  my  soul, 

From  all  the  wand' rings  of  thy  thought; 
From  sickness  unto  death  made  whole ; 
Safe  through  a  thousand  perils  brought. 

3  Then  to  thy  rest,  my  soul,  return, 

From  passions  ev'ry  hour  at  strife. 
Sin's  works,  and  ways,  and  wages  spurn; 
Lay  hold  upon  eternal  life. 

4  God  is  thy  rest :  with  heart  inclin'd 

To  keep  his  word,  that  word  believe. 
Christ  is  thy  rest :  with  lowly  mind 
His  light  and  easy  yoke  receive. 

Hymn  596.  c.  m. 

Preparation  of  the  Heart  implored. 

1  1       ORD,  teach  us  how  to  pray  aright, 

I   i    With  rev'rence  and  with  fear  : 
Though  dust  and  ashes  in  thy  sight, 
We  may,  we  must  draw  near. 

2  Burden' d  with  guilt,  convmc'd  of  sin, 

In  weakness,  want,  and  wo, 
Fightings  without,  and  fears  within, — 
Lord,  whither  shall  we  go? 

3  God  of  all  grace,  we  come  to  thee 

With  broken,  contrite  hearts  : 
Give,  what  thine  eye  delights  to  see. 
Truth  in  the  inward  parts. 


402  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

4  Give  deep  humility — the  sense 

Of  godly  sorrow,  give  : — 
A  strong  desire,  with  confidence 
To  hear  thy  voice  and  live  : — 

5  Patience  to  watch,  and  wait,  and  weep, 

Though  mercy  long  delay : — 
Courage,  our  fainting  souls  to  keep, 
And  trust  thee,  though  thou  slay. 

6  Give  these — and  then  thy  will  be  done. 

Thus  strengthen' d  with  all  might, 
We,  by  thy  Spirit  and  thy  Son, 
Shall  pray,  and  pray  aright. 

Hymn  597.  p.  m.  7s. 

Choosing  the  Heritage  of  God's  People. 

1  T>EOPLE  of  the  living  God! 

JL     I  have  sought  the  world  around, 
Paths  of  sin  and  sorrow  trod, 

Peace  and  comfort  nowhere  found. 
Now  to  you  my  spirit  turns, 

Turns,  a  fugitive  unblest. 
Brethren  !  where  your  altar  burns, 

Oh,  receive  me  into  rest. 

2  Lonely  I  no  longer  roam, 

Like  the  cloud,  the  wind,  the  wave. 
Where  you  dwell,  shall  be  my  home : 

Where  you  die,  shall  be  my  grave. 
Mine  the  God  whom  you  adore : 

Your  Redeemer  shall  be  mine  : 
Earth  can  fill  my  soul  no  more ; 

Ev'ry  idol  I  resign. 

Hymn  598.  c.  m. 

Jeremiah  iii.  22.     Hosea  xiv.  4. 
1  XJfOW  °ft>  alas  •  this  wretched  heart 
JtX  Has  wander' d  from  the  Lord ! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  403 

How  oil  my  roving  thoughts  depart, 
Forgetful  of  his  word! 

2  Yet  heav'nly  mercy  calls,  "Return:" 

Great  God,  and  may  I  come  ? 
My  vile  ingratitude  I  mourn  : 
Oh,  take  the  wand'rer  home  ! 

3  And  canst  thou,  wilt  thou  yet  forgive, 

And  bid  my  crimes  remove? 
And  shall  a  pardon' d  rebel  live, 
To  speak  thy  wondrous  love  ? 

4  Almighty  grace,  thy  healing  pow'r 

How  glorious,  how  divine  ! 
That  can  to  life  and  bliss  restore 
So  base  a  heart  as  mine. 

5  Thy  pard'ning  love,  so  free,  so  sweet, 

My  Father,  I  adore. 
Oh,  keep  me  at  thy  sacred  feet, 
And  let  me  rove  no  more. 

Hymn  599.  p.  m.  $; 

Seeking  Refuge. 

1  L^  ORTH  from  the  dark  and  stormy  sky, 
JO     Lord,  to  thine  altars  shade  we  fly  : 
Forth  from  the  world,  its  hope  and  fear, 
Father,  we  seek  thy  shelter  here  : 
Weary  and  weak,  thy  grace  we  pray ; 
Turn  not,  O  Lord,  thy  guests  away ! 

2  Long  have  we  roanrd  in  want  and  pain; 
Long  have  we  sought  for  rest  in  vain  ; 
'Wilder'd  in  doubt,  in  darkness  lost, 
Long  have  our  souls  been  tempest- toss' d : 
Low  at  thy  feet  our  sins  we  lay  ; 

Turn  not  O  Lord,  th  y  guests  away. 


404  additional  hymns. 

Hymn  600.  l.  m. 

Forgiveness  and  Peace  of  Conscience. 

1  CJWEET  peace  of  conscience,  heav'nly  guest! 
k3  Come,  fix  thy  mansion  in  my  breast. 
Dispel  my  doubts,  my  fears  control, 

And  heal  the  anguish  of  my  soul. 

2  Come,  smiling  hope  and  joy  sincere, 
Come,  make  your  constant  dwelling  here : 
Still  let  your  presence  cheer  my  heart, 
Nor  sin  compel  you  to  depart. 

3  Thou  God  of  hope  and  peace  divine, 
O  make  these  sacred  pleasures  mine  ! 
Forgive  my  guilt,  my  fears  remove, 
And  send  the  tokens  of  thy  love. 

4  Then  shall  mine  eyes,  without  a  tear 
See  death,  with  all  its  terrors  near ; 
My  soul  in  thee,  my  God,  rejoice, 
And  raptures  tune  my  fait' ring  voice. 

Hymn  601.  p.  m.  &. 

Imploring  Forgiveness  and  Newness  of  Life, 

1  THIORGIVE,  Lord,  for  thy  mercy's  sake, 
JO     Our  multitude  of  sins  forgive  ! 

Us  for  thine  own  possession  take, 

And  help  us  to  thy  glory  live — 
Live  in  thy  sight,  and  gladly  prove 
Our  faith  by  our  obedient  love. 

2  To  ev'ry  soul  forgiveness  seal, 

And  all  thy  mighty  wonders  show  ? 
Our  hidden  enemies  expel, 

And  conq'ring  them  to  conquer  go, 
Till  all  of  pride  and  wrath  be  slain, 
And  not  one  evil  thought  remain ! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  405 

3  O  put  thou  in  our  inward  parts 

The  living  law  of  perfect  love  ! 
Write  the  new  precept  on  our  hearts ! 

We  shall  not  then  from  thee  remove, 
But  in  thy  glorious  image  shine, 
Thy  people,  and  for  ever  thine ! 

Hymn  602.  s.  m. 

Waiting  for  God's  Mercy. 

1    1%/TY  soul  with  patience  waits 
jLtJL  For  thee,  the  living  Lord  : 
My  hopes  are  on  thy  promise  built, 
Thy  never-failing  word. 

"i  My  longing  eyes  look  out 
For  thine  enliv'ning  ray, 
More  duly  than  the  morning  watch 
To  spy  the  dawning  day. 

3  In  thee  I  trust,  my  God  ! 

No  bounds  thy  mercy  knows — 
The  plenteous  source  and  spring,  from  which 
Eternal  succour  flows. 

4  Thy  friendly  streams  to  us 

Supplies  in  want  convey  : 
A  healing  spring,  a  spring  to  cleanse 
And  wash  our  guilt  away. 

Hymn  603.  p.  m.  ss  &  m. 

Gratitude  for  Recovery  from  Sin. 

1   "       ORD,  with  glowing  heart  I'd  praise  thee 
JLi   For  the  bliss  thy  love  bestows, 
For  the  pard'ning  grace  that  saves  me, 

And  the  peace  that  from  it  flows. 
Help,  O  God,  my  weak  endeavour; 
This  dull  soul  to  rapture  raise ; 


406  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Thou  must  light  the  flame,  or  never 
Can  my  love  be  warm'd  to  praise. 

2  Praise,  my  soul,  the  God  that  sought  thee, 

Wretched  wand'rer,  far  astray; 
Found  thee  lost,  and  kindly  brought  thee 

From  the  paths  of  death  away. 
Praise,  with  love's  devoutest  feeling, 

Him  who  saw  thy  guilt-born  fear, 
And,  the  light  of  hope  revealing, 

Bade  the  blood-stain' d  cross  appear. 

3  Lord,  this  bosom's  ardent  feeling 

Vainly  would  my  lips  express: 
Low  before  thy  footstool  kneeling, 

Deign  thy  suppliant's  pray'r  to  bless. 
Let  thy  grace,  my  soul's  chief  treasure, 

Love's  pure  flame  within  me  raise : 
And,  since  words  can  never  measure, 

Let  my  life  show  forth  thy  praise. 

Hymn  604.  l.  m. 

1  "OAR  from  thy  fold,  O  God,  my  feet 
J-      Once  mov'd  in  error's  devious  maze ; 
Nor  found  religious  duties  sweet, 

Nor  sought  thy  face,  nor  lov'd  thy  ways. 

2  With  tend' rest  voice  thou  bad'st  me  flee 

The  paths  which  thou  couldst  ne'er  approve. 
My  soul  was  gently  drawn  to  thee 
With  cords  of  sweet,  eternal  love. 

3  Now  to  thy  footstool,  Lord,  I  fly, 

And  low  in  self-abasement  fall : 
A  poor,  a  helpless  worm,  I  lie ; 
And  thou,  my  God,  art  all  in  all. 

4  Dearer,  far  dearer  to  my  heart 

Than  all  the  joys  that  earth  can  give 


ADDITIONAL    HYMN'S.  407 

From  fame,  from  wealth,  from  friends  I'd  part, 
Beneath  thy  countenance  to  live. 

5  And  when,  in  smiling  friendship  dress'd, 

Death  bids  me  quit  this  mortal  frame, 
Gently  reclin'd  upon  thy  breast, 

My  latest  breath  shall  bless  thy  name. 

6  Then  mine  unfetter'd  soul  shall  rise 

And  soar  above  yon  starry  spheres, 
Join  the  full  chorus  of  the  skies, 

And  sing  thy  praise  through  endless  years. 

Hymn  605.  c.  m. 

The  Highway  to  Zion.     Isaiah  xxxv.  8,  9,  10. 

1  OING,  ye  redeemed  of  the  Lord, 
k3  Your  great  Deliv'rer  sing; 
Pilgrims,  for  Zion's  city  bound, 

Be  joyful  in  your  King. 

2  See  the  fair  way  his  hand  hath  rais'd, 

How  holy  and  how  plain  ! 
Nor  shall  the  simplest  trav'ller  err, 
Nor  ask  the  track  in  vain. 

3  No  rav'ning  lion  shall  destroy, 

Nor  lurking  serpent  wound ; 
Pleasure  and  safety,  peace  and  praise, 
Through  all  the  path  are  found. 

4  A  hand  divine  shall  lead  you  on 
Along  the  blissful  road, 

Till  to  the  sacred  mount  you  rise, 
And  see  your  Father,  God. 

5  There  garlands  of  immortal  joy 
Shall  bloom  on  ev'ry  head, 

While  sorrow,  sighing,  and  distress, 
Like  shadows  all  are  fled. 
25* 


408  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

6  March  on  in  your  Redeemer's  strength, 
Pursue  his  footsteps  still; 
And  let  the  prospect  cheer  your  eye, 
While  lab' ring  up  the  hill. 

Hymn  606.  c.  m. 

God  speaking  Peace  to  his  People, 

1  XTNITE,  my  roving  thoughts,  unite 

vJ    In  silence  soft  and  sweet : 
And  thou,  my  soul,  sit  gently  down 
At  thy  great  So v' reign's  feet. 

2  Jehovah's  awful  voice  is  heard, 

Yet  gladly  I  attend  : 
For,  lo !  the  everlasting  God 
Proclaims  himself  my  friend. 

3  Harmonious  acoents  to  my  soul 

The  sound  of  peace  convey ; 
The  tempest  at  his  word  subsides, 
And  winds  and  seas  obey. 

4  By  all  its  joys,  I  charge  my  heart 

To  grieve  his  love  no  more ; 
But  charm' d  by  melody  divine, 
To  give  its  follies  o'er. 

Hymn  607.    c.  m. 

The  Rdvard  of  the  Righteous.    Psalm  xxxvii. 

1  TV/j~ Y  God  the  steps  of  pious  men 
_LyJL  Are  order' d  by  thy  will  ; 
Though  they  should  fell1,  they  rise  again; 

Thy  hand  supports  them  still. 

2  The  Lord  delights  to  see  their  ways ; 

Their  virtue  he  approves  ; 
He'll  ne'er  deprive  them  of  his  grace, 
Nor  leave  the  men  he  loves. 


ADDITIONAL  HYMNS.  409 

3  The  heav'nly  heritage  is  t! 

Their  portion  and  their  home; 

them  now,  and  mak-s  them  Jieirs 
( »f  blessings  long  to  come. 

4  Mark  well  the  man  of  righteousness ! 

His  sev'ral  steps  attend : 
True  pleasure  runs  through  all  his  ways, 
And  peaceful  is  his  end* 

Hymn  608.  c.  m. 

Encouragement  from  the  Experience  of  God's 
Goodness  to  his  Servants. 

1  rp  HROUGH  all  the  changing  scenes  of  life, 

-R-     In  trouble  and  in  joy, 
The  praises  of  my  God  shall  still 
My  heart  and  tongue  employ. 

2  Of  his  deliv'rance  I  will  boast, 

Till  all  who  are  distressrd 
From  my  example  comfort  take, 
And  charm  their  griefs  to  rest. 

3  The  hosts  of  God  encamp  around 

The  dwellings  of  the  just: 
Protection  he  affords  to  all 
Who  on  his  succour  trust. 

4  O  make  but  trial  of  his  love  : 

Experience  will  decide, 
How  bless'd  are  they,  and  only  they, 
Who  in  his  truth  confide. 

5  Fear  him,  ye  saints:  and  you  will  then 

Have  nothing  else  to  fear : 

ou  his  service  your  delight— 
11  make  your  wants  his  care. 


410  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Hymn  609.  p.  m.  s,  e,  &  ss. 

Adoption.     1  John  iii.  1,  2,  3. 

1  1  '    ET  others  boast  their  ancient  line, 
JLj   In  long  succession  great : 

In  the  proud  list  let  heroes  shine, 
And  monarchs  swell  the  state : 
Descended  from  the  King  of  kings, 
Each  saint  a  nobler  title  sings. 

2  Pronounce  me,  gracious  God,  thy  son ; 

Own  me  an  heir  divine  : 
I'll  pity  princes  on  the  throne, 

When  I  can  call  thee  mine. 
Sceptres  and  crowns  unenvy'd  rise, 
And  lose  their  lustre  in  mine  eyes. 

3  Content,  obscure,  I  pass  my  days, 

To  all  I  meet  unknown ; 
And  wait  till  thou  thy  child  shalt  raise, 

And  seat  me  near  thy  throne. 
No  name,  no  honour  here  I  crave, 
Well-pleas' d  with  those  beyond  the  grave. 

4  Jesus,  my  elder  brother,  lives ; 

With  him  I  too  shall  reign : 
No  hostile  pow'r,  while  he  survives, 

Shall  make  the  promise  vain. 
In  him  my  title  stands  secure, 
And  shall,  while  endless  years  endure. 

5  When  he,  in  robes  divinely  bright, 

Shall  once  again  appear, 
Thou  too,  my  soul,  shalt  shine  in  light, 

And  his  full  image  bear. 
Enough !  I  wait  th'  appointed  day : 
Blest  Saviour !  haste  and  come  away. 


additional  hymns.  411 

Hymn  610.  l.  m. 

Blessedness  of  Communion  with  God. 

1  T^  XOUGII  of  life's  vain  scene  I've  trod; 
jLli    Sweet  is  the  interval  of  rest : 

With  cheerful  heart  I  meet  my  God; 
His  presence  makes  me  truly  blest. 

2  Father  and  Friend  !  relations  dear, 

Rejoicing  to  the  human  soul; — 
They  lift  us  above  ev'ry  fear, 
And  ills  (if  ills  there  be)  control. 

3  Pleasant  is  life,  and  sweet  the  light 

That  pours  from  the  bright  orb  of  day, 
Revealing  to  our  raptur'd  sight 
The  world  in  all  its  rich  display. 

4  Pleasant  is  life,  and  sweet  its  ties, 

The  touching  charities  of  man : 
Friend,  fellow,  child,  and  parent  rise, 
Endearing  life's  progressive  plan. 

5  But  life  and  light  would  soon  be  vile, 

And  all  their  dearest  pleasures  fall, 
Nor  sun  would  shine,  nor  life  would  smile, 
Vi  lthout  thy  presence  gladd'ning  all. 

Hymn  611.  l.  m. 

Influence  of  Religion. 

1  npHROUGH  shades  and  solitudes  profound 

JL     The  fainting  traveler  wends  his  way : 
Be  wild"  ring  meteors  glare  around, 
And  tempt  his  wand1  ring  feet  astray. 

2  Welcome,  thrice  welcome  to  his  eye 

The  sudden  moon's  inspiring  light, 

When  forth  she  sallies  through  the  sky, 

The  guardian  angel  of  the  night. 


412  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

3  Thus,  mortals  blind  and  weak,  below, 

Pursue  the  phantom  bliss  in  vain : 
The  world's  a  wilderness  of  wo, 
And  life's  a  pilgrimage  of  pain; — 

4  Till  mild  religion  from  above 

Descends,  a  sweet  engaging  form, 
The  messenger  of  heav'nly  love, 
The  bow  of  promise  'mid  the  storm. 

5  Ambition,  pride,  revenge  depart, 

And  folly  flies  her  chast'ning  rod; 
She  makes  the  humble  contrite  heart 
A  temple  of  the  living  God. 

6  Beyond  the  narrow  vale  of  time, 

Where  bright  celestial  ages  roll, 
To  scenes  eternal,  scenes  sublime, 

She  points  the  way  and  leads  the  soul. 

7  Baptiz'd  with  her  renewing  fire, 

May  we  the  crown  of  glory  gain; 
Rise,  when  the  hosts  of  heav'n  expire; 
And  reign  with  God,  for  ever  reign ! 

Hymn  612.  l.  m. 

Light  of  Religion, 

1  TF  all  our  hopes  and  all  our  fears 
JL  Were  prison'd  in  life's  little  bound; 
I£  travelers  through  this  vale  of  tears, 

We  saw  no  better  world  beyond : — 
O  what  could  check  the  rising  sigh  ? 

What  earthly  thing  could  pleasure  give? 
Who  then  in  peace  could  ever  die  ? 

Or  who  would  breathe  a  wish  to  live? 

2  Yet  such  were  life,  without  the  ray 

From  our  divine  religion  giv'n. 
'Tis  this  that  makes  our  darkness  day; 
'Tis  this  that  makes  our  earth  a  heav'n 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  413 

Bright  is  the  golden  sun  above, 

Ami  beautiful  the  flow'rs  that  bloom; 

And  all  is  joy,  and  all  is  love, 
Reflected  from  a  world  to  come. 

Hymn  613.  s.  m. 

It  shall  be  loell  with  the  Righteous. 


1WH 


Isaiah  iii.  10. 

AT  cheering  words  are  these  ! 
Their  sweetness  who  can  tell? 


In  time  and  through  eternity 
'Tis  with  the  righteous  well. 

2  In  ev'ry  state  secure, 

Kept  by  Jehovah's  eye, 
'Tis  well  with  them  while  life  endures, 
And  well  when  call'd  to  die. 

3  'Tis  well,  when  joys  they  taste  ; 

'Tis  well,  when  sorrows  flow; 
'Tis  well,  when  darkness  veils  the  skies, 
And  strong  temptations  blow. 

4  'Tis  well,  when  on  the  mount 

They  feast  on  heav'nly  love; 

And  'tis  as  well,  in  God's  account, 

When  they  the  furnace  prove. 

5  'Tis  well,  when  summon' d  hence, 

From  earth  to  heav'n  they  rise, 
Join'd  with  the  hosts  of  holy  souls, 
Made  to  salvation  wise. 

Hymn  614.  p.  m.  8s&7s. 

The  Happiness  of  forsaking  all  to  follow   Christ* 
'ESUS  !  I  my  cross  have  taken, 


J 


All  to  leave  and  follow  thee , 
Self  renoune'd  and  sin  forsaken: 
Thou  alone  my  guide  shalt  be. 


414  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS 

2  Perish,  ev'ry  false  ambition — 

All,  the  world  has  lov'd  or  known : — 
Yet  how  rich  is  my  condition  ! 

God  and  heav'n  are  still  mine  own. 

3  Go  then,  earthly  fame  and  treasure 

Come,  disaster,  scorn,  and  pain : 
In  thy  service  pain  is  pleasure ; 
With  thy  favour,  loss  is  gain. 

4  Know,  my  soul,  thy  full  salvation ; 

Rise  o'er  sin,  and  fear,  and  care; 
Joy  to  find  in  ev'ry  station 
Something  still  to  do  or  bear. 

5  Think,  what  spirit  dwells  within  thee; 

Think,  what  father's  smiles  are  thine; 
Think,  that  Jesus  died  to  win  thee  : 
Child  of  heav'n,  canst  thou  repine  ? 

6  Haste  thee  on  from  grace  to  glory, 

Arm'd  by  faith  and  wing'd  by  pray'r. 
Heav'n's  eternal  day's  before  thee; 
God's  own  hand  shall  lead  thee  there. 

7  Soon  shall  close  thine  earthly  mission ; 

Soon  shall  pass  thy  pilgrim  days : 
Hope  shall  change  to  glad  fruition, 
Faith  to  sight,  and  pray'r  to  praise. 

Hymn  615.  c.  m. 

Holy  Fortitude. 

1  A  M  la  soldier  of  the  cross, 
il  A  foll'wer  of  the  Lamb? 
And  shall  I  fear  to  own  his  cause, 

Or  blush  to  speak  his  name  ? 

2  Must  I  be  carry' d  to  the  skies 

On  flow'ry  beds  of  ease? 
While  others  fought  to  win  the  prize, 
And  sail'd  through  bloody  seas ! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  415 

3  Are  there  no  foes  for  me  to  face  ? 

Must  I  not  stem  the  flood? 
Is  this  wild  world  a  friend  to  grace, 
To  help  me  on  to  God  ? 

4  Sure  I  must  fight,  if  I  would  reign; 

Be  faithful  to  my  Lord; 
And  bear  the  toil,  endure  the  pain, 
Supported  by  thy  word. 

5  The  saints,  in  all  this  glorious  war, 

Shall  conquer,  though  they  die ; 
They  see  the  triumph  from  afar, 
And  seize  it  with  their  eye. 

6  When  that  illustrious  day  shall  rise, 

And  all  thine  armies  shine 
In  robes  of  vict'ry  through  the  skies, 
The  glory  shall  be  thine. 

Hymn  616.  s.  m. 

The  Christian's  Charge, 


1     \     CHARGE  to  keep  I  have 


A 


A  God  to  glorify ; 
A  never-dying  soul  to  save, 

And  fit  it  for  the  sky ; 
To  serve  the  present  age ; 

My  calling  to  fulfil : — 
O  may  it  all  my  pow:rs  engage, 

To  do  my  Master's  will ! 

Arm  me  with  jealous  care, 

As  in  thy  sight  to  live ; 
And,  oh  !  thy  servant,  Lord,  prepare 

The  strict  account  to  give. 
Help  me  to  watch  and  pray, 

And  on  thyself  rely  : 
Assured,  if  I  my  trust  betray, 

I  shall  forsaken  die. 
36 


416  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 


XA 


Hymn  617.  c.  m. 

Christian  Watchfulness. 
WAKE,  my  drowsy  soul,  awake, 


And  view  the  threat' ning  scene 
Legions  of  foes  encamp  around, 
And  treach'ry  lurks  within. 

'Tis  not  this  mortal  life  alone 

These  enemies  assail : 
How  canst  thou  hope  for  future  bliss, 

If  their  attempts  prevail? 

Then  to  the  work  of  God  awake — 

Behold  thy  Master  near — 
The  various,  arduous  work  pursue 

With  vigour  and  with  fear. 

The  awful  register  goes  on ; 

The  account  will  surely  come ; 
And  op' ning  day  or  closing  night 

May  bear  me  to  my  doom. 

Tremendous  thought !  how  deep  it  strikes ! 

Yet  like  a  dream  it  flies, 
Till  God's  own  voice  the  slumbers  chase 

From  these  deluded  eyes. 

Hymn  618.  p.  m.  7s. 

Image  of  God  and  Christ  in  Man, 

1  TT'ATHER  of  eternal  grace, 
Jt-      Glorify  thyself  in  me ! 
Meekly  beaming  in  my  face, 

May  the  world  thine  image  see. 

2  Happy  always  in  thy  love, 

Though  unfriended  or  unknown, 
Fix  my  thoughts  on  things  above ; 
Stay  my  heart  on  thee  alone. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  417 

3  Humble,  holy,  all  resign' d 

To  thy  will. — thy  will  be  done  ! — 
Give  me,  Lord,  the  perfect  mind 
Of  thy  well  beloved  Son. 

4  Counting  gain  and  glory  loss, 

.May  I  tread  the  path  he  trod, 
Die  with  Jesus  on  the  cross, 

Rise  with  him  to  thee,  my  God. 

Hymn  619.  l.m. 

Service  of  God. 

1  IV/rY  gracious  God,  I  own  thy  right 
_LTjL  To  ev;ry  service  I  can  pay. 

O  make  it  my  supreme  delight, 
To  hear  thy  dictates,  and  obey. 

2  What  is  my  being,  but  for  thee, 

Its  sure  support,  its  noblest  end? 
Thine  ever-smiling  face  to  see, 

And  serve  the  cause  of  such  a  friend? 

3  Thy  work  my  hoary  age  shall  bless, 

When  youthful  vigour  is  no  more; 
And  my  last  hour  of  life  confess, 
Thy  love  hath  animating  pow'r. 

Hymn  620.  c.  m. 

Christian  Zeal. 

ZEAL  is  that  pure  and  heav'nly  flame 
The  fire  of  love  supplies; 
While  that  which  often  bears  the  name, 
Is  self  in  a  disguise. 

True  zeal  is  merciful  and  mild, 

Can  pity  and  forbear; 
The  false  is  headstrong,  fierce,  and  wild, 

And  breathes  revenge  and  war. 


418  ADDITIONAL   HYMNS. 

3  While  zeal  for  truth  the  Christian  warms, 

He  knows  the  worth  of  peace  ; 
But  self  contends  for  names  and  forms, 
Its  party  to  increase. 

4  Self  may  its  poor  reward  obtain, 

And  be  applauded  here ; 
But  zeal  the  best  applause  will  gain, 
When  Jesus  shall  appear. 

5  O  God,  the  idol  self  dethrone, 

And  from  our  hearts  remove  ; 
And  let  no  zeal  by  us  be  shown, 
But  that  which  springs  from  love. 

Hymn  621.  c.  m. 

Alacrity  of  Christian  Obedience 
Romans  viii.  15. 

1  "IVTOT  by  the  terrors  of  a  slave, 
±  H    Do  saints  perform  thy  will ; 
But  with  the  noblest  pow'rs  they  have, 

Thy  blest  commands  fulfil. 

2  They  find  access  at  ev'ry  hour 

To  God  within  the  veil ; 
Hence  they  derive  a  quickning  pow'r, 
And  joys  that  never  fail. 

3  O  happy  souls  !  O  glorious  state 

Of  thy  abounding  grace  ! 
To  dwell  so  near  their  Father's  seat, 
And  see  his  blissful  face ! 

4  Lord,  I  address  thy  heav'nly  throne; 

Call  me  a  child  of  thine ; 
Send  down  the  Spirit  of  thy  Son, 
To  form  my  heart  divine. 

5  There  shed  a  fervent  love  abroad, 

And  make  my  comfort  strong; 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  419 

That  I  may  say.  "My  Father  God," 
With  an  unwav'ring  tongue. 

Hymn  622.  l.  m. 

Christian  Decision  and  Dedication  to  God. 
(Confirmation.) 

1  ^V  HAPPY  day,  that  stays  my  choice 
V>F  On  thee,  my  Saviour  and  my  God  ! 
Well  may  this  glowing  heart  rejoice, 

And  tell  thy  goodness  all  abroad. 

2  O  happy  bond,  that  seals  my  vows, 

To  him  who  merits  all  my  love ! 
Let  cheerful  anthems  fill  his  house, 
While  to  his  sacred  throne  I  move. 

3  'Tis  done,  the  great  transaction's  done; 

I  am  the  Lord's,  and  he  is  mine. 
Help  me,  great  God,  to  follow  on, 
Obedient  to  thy  voice  divine. 

4  Now  rest,  mine  oft-divided  heart ; 

Fix  d  on  this  blissful  centre,  rest. 
With  ashes  who  would  grieve  to  part, 
When  call'd  on  angels'  food  to  feast? 

5  High  lieavn,  that  heard  the  solemn  vow, 

That  vow  renew1  d  shall  daily  hear; 
Till  in  life's  latest  hour  I  bow, 

And  bless  in  death  a  bond  so  dear. 

Hymn  623.  s.  m. 

Prayer  for  Christian  Principles. 

1   1VTY  God,  my  strength,  my  hope, 
_LYJL  On  thee  I  cast  my  care, 
With  humble  confidence  look  up, 

And  know  thou  hear'st  my  pray'r. 
Give  me  on  thee  to  wait, 
Till  I  can  all  things  do; 
36*  " 


420  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

On  thee,  almighty  to  create, 

Almighty  to  renew? 
2  I  want  a  sober  mind, 

A  self-renouncing  will, 
That  tramples  down  and  casts  behind 

The  baits  of  pleasing  ill : 
A  soul  inur'd  to  pain, 

To  hardship,  grief;  and  loss — 
Bold  to  take  up,  firm  to  sustain 

The  consecrated  cross. 

3  I  want  a  godly  fear, 

A  quick  discerning  eye, 
That  looks  to  thee  when  sin  is  near, 

And  sees  the  tempter  fly; 
A  spirit  still  prepar'd, 

And  arm'd  with  jealous  care, 
For  ever  standing  on  its  guard, 

And  watching  unto  pray'r. 

4  I  want  a  true  regard, 

A  single,  steady  aim, 
Unmov'd  by  threat'ning  or  reward, 

To  thee  and  thy  great  name; 
A  zealous,  just  concern 

For  thine  immortal  praise; 
A  pure  desire  that  all  may  learn 

And  glorify  thy  grace. 

5  I  rest  upon  thy  word  ; 

Thy  promise  is  for  me : 
My  succour  and  salvation,  Lord, 

Shall  surely  come  from  thee. 
But  let  me  still  abide, 

Nor  from  my  hope  remove, 
Till  thou  my  patient  spirit  guide 

Into  thy  perfect  love. 


additional  hymns.  421 

Hymn  6*24.  l.  m. 

Prayer  for  Christian  Improvement. 

1  /^W  THOU,  who  hast  at  thy  command 
v_>J  The  hearts  of  all  men  in  thy  hand! 
My  wishes  and  desires  control ; 

Id  ev'ry  purpose  of  my  soul. 

2  Be  with  me,  Lord,  where'er  I  go; 
Teach  me  what  thou  wouldst  have  me  do ; 
Suggest  whate'er  I  think  and  say; 
Direct  me  in  the  narrow  way. 

3  Prevent  me,  lest  I  harbour  pride, 
Lest  I  in  mine  own  strength  confide : 
Show  me  my  weakness ;  let  me  see, 

I  have  my  pow'r,  mine  all  from  thee. 

4  Assist  and  teach  me  how  to  pray ; 
Dispose  my  nature  to  obey; 

What  thou  abhorr'st,  that  let  me  flee, 
And  only  love  what  pleases  thee. 

6  And  while  I  to  thine  honour  live, 
May  I  to  thee  all  glory  give, 
Until  the  summons,  Lord,  shall  come, 

r    That  calls  thy  willing  servant  home. 

Hymn  62o.  l.  m. 

The  Energy  of  Faith. 

1  Wy RAISE,  everlasting  praise,  be  paid 
JL      To  him.  who  earth's  foundation  laid : 
Praise  to  the  God,  whose  sov' reign  will 
All  nature's  laws  and  pow'rs  fulfil. 

2  Praise  to  the  goodness  of  the  Lord, 
Who  rules  his  people  by  his  word; 
Where  faith  contemplates  his  decrees, 
And  ev'ry  gracious  promise  sees. 


422  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

3  O  for  a  strong  and  lasting  faith, 
To  credit  what  th'  Almighty  saith; 
T'  embrace  the  message  of  his  Son, 
And  call  the  joys  of  heav'n  our  own  ! 

4  Then  should  the  earth's  vast  pillars  shake, 
And  all  the  wheels  of  nature  break, 

Our  steady  souls  should  fear  no  more 
Than  solid  rocks  when  billows  roar. 

5  Our  everlasting  hopes  arise 
Above  the  perishable  skies ; 
And  firm  their  basis  shall  remain, 
When  these  to  chaos  sink  again. 

Hymn  626.  p.  m.  7s. 

Simplicity  of  Faith  in  God's  Word. 

1  X    ORD,  for  ever  at  thy  side 

I   i   Let  my  place  and  portion  be  ! 
Strip  me  of  the  robe  of  pride, 
Clothe  me  with  humility. 

2  Meekly  may  my  soul  receive 

All  thy  Spirit  hath  reveal' d. 
Thou  hast  spoken — I  believe, 
Though  the  oracle  were  seal'd. 

3  Quiet  as  a  weaned  child, 

Weaned  from  the  mother's  breast; 
By  no  subtlety  beguil'd, 
On  thy  faithful  word  I  rest. 

4  Saints,  rejoicing  evermore, 

In  the  Lord  Jehovah  trust : 
Him  in  all  his  ways  adore, 

Wise,  and  wonderful,  and  just. 

Hymn  627.  l.  m. 

Faith  without  Works  is  Dead. 
1      4  S  body,  when  the  soul  has  fled, — 
_/jL  As  barren  trees,  decay' d  and  dead, 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS  423 

Is  faith — a  hopeless,  lifeless  tiling — 
If  not  of  righteousness  the  spring. 

2  To  doers  only  of  his  word, 
Propitious  is  th'  all-seeing  Lord : 

He  hears  their  cries,  accepts  their  pray'rs, 

And  heals  their  wounds,  and  soothes  their  cares. 

3  In  true  and  active  faith,  we  trace 
The  source  of  ev'ry  Christian  grace: 
Within  the  pious  heart  it  plays, 

A  living  fount  of  joy  and  praise. 

4  Kind  deeds  of  peace  and  love  betray 
Where'er  the  stream  has  found  its  way : 
But  where  these  spring  not  rich  and  fair, 
The  stream  has  never  wander1  d  there. 

Hymn  628.  l.  m. 

Faith  of  the  Ancients.     Hebrews  xi.  33,  34. 

1  |>LEST  is  the  mem'  ry  of  the  just, 
X3    And  sweet  their  slumbers  in  the  dust ! 
Though  lost,  long  lost  to  mortal  eye, 
Their  well-earn' d  fame  shall  never  die. 

2  In  life's  fair  book  the  Patriarchs  live ; 
Prophets  and  saints  instruction  give ; 
Though  dead,  they  speak  the  truth  divine, 
And  in  example  brightly  shine. 

3  My  soul,  these  ancient  heroes  view ; 
Their  faith,  their  love,  their  zeal  pursue. 
Warm'd  by  each  word,  and  glorious  deed, 
In  the  same  blessed  path  proceed. 

4  O  may  I  in  their  triumphs  share, 
When  the  great  Saviour  shall  appear, 
To  raise  them  up  to  high  renown 
And  give  them  an  immortal  crown ! 


424  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Hymn  629.  p.  m.  us 

Precious  Promises. 

1  TTCyyV  firm  a  foundation,  ye  saints  of  the  Lord, 
XX  Is  laid  for  your  faith  in  his  excellent  word  ! 
What  more  can  he  say,  than  to  you  he  hath  said, 
Who  unto  Jehovah  for  refuge  have  fled  % 

2  "Fear  not,  I  am  with  thee,  O  be  not  dismay'd; 
For  I  am  thy  God,  and  will  still  give  thee  aid. 
I'll  strengthen  thee,  help  thee,  and  cause  thee  to 

stand, 
Upheld  by  my  righteous,  omnipotent  hand. 

3  "  When  through  the  deep  waters  I  call  thee  to  go, 
The  rivers  of  sorrow  shall  not  overflow  : 

For  I  will  be  with  thee,  thy  troubles  to  bless, 
And  sanctify  to  thee,  thy  deepest  distress. 

4  "When  through  fiery  trials  thy  pathway  shall  lie, 
My  grace  all-sufficient  shall  be  thy  supply. 

The  flame  shall  not  hurt  thee,  I  only  design 
Thy  dross  to  consume,  and  thy  gold  to  refine. 

5  "The  soul  that  on  me  humbly  leans  for  repose, 
I  will  not,  I  will  not,  desert  to  his  foes. 

That  soul,  though  all  hell  should  endeavour  to 

shake, 
I'll  never — no  never — no  never  forsake." 

Hymn  630.  p.  m.  ts&6s. 

Faith  aspiring  to  Heaven. 
1    |3  ISE,  my  soul,  and  stretch  thy  wings, 
XV/  Thy  better  portion  trace ; 
Rise  from  transitory  things 

Tow'rd  heav'n,  thy  native  place. 
Sun,  and  moon,  and  stars  decay ; 

Time  shall  soon  this  earth  remove : 
Rise,  my  soul,  and  haste  away 
To  seats  prepar'd  above. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  425 

2  Rivers  to  the  ocean  run, 

Nor  stay  in  all  their  course ; 
Fire,  ascending,  seeks  the  sun ; 

Both  speed  them  to  their  source. 
So  a  soul  that's  born  of  God, 

Pants  to  view  his  glorious  face ; 
Upward  tends  to  his  abode, 

To  rest  in  his  embrace. 

3  Cease,  ye  pilgrims,  cease  to  mourn ; 

Press  onward  to  the  prize  : 
Soon  the  Saviour  will  return 

Triumphant  in  the  skies. 
Yet  a  season,  and  you  know 

Happy  entrance  will  be  giv'n ; 
All  your  sorrows  left  below, 

And  earth  exchanged  for  heav'n. 

Hymn  631.  p.  m.  ?s. 

Rejoicing  in  Hope. 

1  /CHILDREN  of  the  heav'nly  King, 
\^y   As  ye  journey,  sweetly  sing : 
Sing  your  Saviour's  worthy  praise, 
Glorious  in  his  works  and  ways. 

2  Ye  are  traveling  home  to  God, 
In  the  way  the  fathers  trod  : 
They  are  happy  now.  and  ye 
Soon  their  happiness  shall  see. 

3  Shout,  ye  little  flock,  and  bless'd ; 
You  near  Jesus'  throne  shall  rest. 
There  your  seats  are  now  prepar'd— 
There  your  kingdom  and  reward. 

4  Fear  not,  brethren — joyful  stand 
On  the  borders  of  your  land. 
Jesus  Christ,  your  Father's  Son, 
Bids  you  undismay'd,  go  on. 


426  ADDITIONAL   HYMNS. 

5  Lord,  obediently  we'll  go, 
Gladly  leaving  all  below. 
Only  thou  our  leader  be, 
And  we  still  will  follow  thee. 

Hymn  632.  l.  m. 

Glorying  in  God  alone. 
Jeremiah  ix.  23,  24. 

1  HP  ^E  righteous  Lord,  supremely  great, 

-I-  Maintains  his  universal  state: 
O'er  all  the  earth  his  pow'r  extends, 
All  heav'n  before  his  footstool  bends. 

2  Yet  justice  still  with  pow'r  presides, 
And  mercy  all  his  empire  guides ; 
Such  works  are  pleasing  in  his  sight, 
And  such  the  men  of  his  delight. 

3  No  more,  ye  wise,  your  wisdom  boast ; 
No  more,  ye  strong,  your  valour  trust; 
Nor  let  the  rich  survey  their  store, 
Replete  with  heaps  of  shining  ore. 

4  Glory,  my  soul,  in  this  alone, 

That  God,  thy  God,  to  thee  is  known  ; 
That  thou  hast  own'd  his  so v' reign  sway, 
That  thou  hast  felt  his  cheering  ray. 

5  My  wisdom,  wealth,  and  pow'r  I  find 
In  one  Jehovah  all  combin'd. 

On  him  I  fix  my  roving  eyes, 
Till  all  my  soul  in  rapture  rise. 

6  All  else  which  I  my  treasure  call, 
May  in  one  fatal  moment  fall : 
But  what  his  happiness  can  move, 
Whom  God  the  blessed  deigns  to  love? 


additional  hymns.  427 

Hymn  633.  l.  m. 

Love  to  God. 

"  rpl  HUS  shalt  thou  love  th'  Almighty  Lord— 
JL     With  all  thy  heart,  and  soul,  and  mind."-^- 

So  speaks  to  man  that  sacred  word, 
For  counsel  and  reproof  design'd. 

"With  all  thy  heart" — no  idol  thing, 
Though  close  around  the  heart  it  twine, 

Its  interposing  shade  must  fling, 
To  darken  that  pure  love  of  thine. 

"With  all  thy  mind:' — each  vary'd  pow'r, 

Creative  fancy,  musings  high, 
And  thoughts  that  glance  behind,  before, 

These  must  religion  sanctify. 

"With  soul  and  strength" — thy  days  of  ease 
While  vigour  nerves  each  youthful  limb, 

And  hope  and  joy,  and  health  and  peace, 
All  must  be  freely  brought  to  him. 

Thou  Pow'r  Supreme,  in  whom  we  move ! 

Vouchsafe  thy  servants,  in  their  day, 
The  mind  t'  adore,  the  heart  to  love, 

And  strength  to  serve  thee,  while  they  may. 

Hymn  634.  p.  m.  8s  &  7s. 

Joyful  Love  to  God  implored* 

OVE  divine,  all  love  excelling, 
Joy  of  heav'n,  to  earth  come  down! 
Fix  in  us  thy  humble  dwelling, 
All  thy  faithful  mercies  crown. 

Father!  thou  art  all  compassion; 

Pure,  unbounded  love  thou  art : 
Visit  us  with  thy  salvation, 

Enter  ev'ry  longing  heart. 
37 


L 


428  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS 

3  Breathe,  0  breathe  thy  blissful  spirit 

Into  ev'ry  troubl'd  breast ! 
Let  us  all  in  thee  inherit, 

Let  us  find  thy  promis'd  rest. 

4  Come,  Almighty  to  deliver, 

Let  us  all  thy  life  receive , 
Graciously  come  down,  and  never, 
Never  more  thy  temples  leave. 

5  Change  from  glory  into  glory, 

Till  in  heav'n  we  take  our  place, 

Till  we  cast  our  crowns  before  thee, 

Lost  in  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 

Hymn  635.  p.  m.  ss  &  7s. 

Grateful  Affection  to  God. 

1  /^iOME,  thou  fount  of  ev'ry  blessing, 
\-S  Tune  my  heart  to  sing  thy  grace. 
Streams  of  mercy,  never  ceasing, 

Call  for  songs  of  loudest  praise. 

2  Here  I  raise  mine  Ebenezer ; 

Hither  by  thy  help  I'm  come; 
And  I  hope,  by  thy  good  pleasure, 
Safely  to  arrive  at  home. 

3  O  I  to  grace  how  great  a  debtor 

Daily  I'm  constrain' d  to  be ! 
Let  that  grace,  now,  like  a  fetter, 
Bind  my  wand' ring  heart  to  thee. 

4  Prone  to  wander,  Lord,  I  feel  it — 

Prone  to  leave  the  God  of  love — 
Here's  my  heart :  O,  take  and  seal  it, 
Seal  it  for  thy  courts  above. 

Hymn  636.  l.  m. 

1    /^V  FROM  the  world's  vile  slavery, 
\J  Almighty  Father !  set  me  free ; 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  429 

And  as  my  treasure  is  above, 

Be  there  my  thoughts,  be  there  my  love. 

2  But  oft,  alas !  too  well  I  know, 

My  thoughts,  my  love,  are  fix'd  below. 

In  ev'ry  lifeless  pray'r  I  find 

The  heart  unmov'd,  the  absent  mind. 

3  O  what  that  frozen  heart  can  move, 
That  melts  not  at  a  Saviour's  love? 
What  can  that  sluggish  spirit  raise, 
That  will  not  sing  its  Father's  praise  ? 

4  Yet  earthly  pleasure  still  hath  charms, 
And  earthly  love  my  bosom  warms; 
Though  cold  my  heart  to  love  divine, 
And  cold,  my  bleeding  Lord,  to  thine ! 

5  0  draw  my  best  affections  hence, 
Above  this  world  of  sin  and  sense ; 
Cause  them  to  soar  beyond  the  skies, 
And  rest  not  till  to  thee  they  rise. 

Hymn  637.  s.  m. 

Doing  all  to  the  Glory  of  God. 

1  fTl  EACH  me,  my  God  and  King,- 

JL     In  all  things  thee  to  see  : 
And  what  I  do  in  any  thing, 
To  do  it  as  for  thee  ! 

2  To  scorn  the  senses'  sway, 

While  still  to  thee  I  tend : 
In  all  I  do,  be  thou  the  way — 
In  all,  be  thou  the  end  ! 

3  All  may  of  thee  partake  : 

Nothing  so  small  can  be, 
But  draws,  when  acted  for  thy  sake, 
Greatness  and  worth  from  thee. 

4  If  prompted  by  thy  laws, 

E'en  servile  labours  shine : 


430  ADDITIONAL   HYMNS. 

Hallow' d  is  toil,  if  this  the  cause, 
The  meanest  work  divine. 

Hymn  638.  l.  m. 

Prayer* 

1  *VE7"HAT  various  hindrances  we  meet, 

▼  ¥      In  coming  to  a  mercy-seat ! 
Yet  who  that  knows  the  worth  of  pray' r, 
But  wishes  to  be  often  there  % 

2  Pray'r  makes  the  darken' d  cloud  withdraw: 
Pray'r  climbs  the  ladder  Jacob  saw ; 
Gives  exercise  to  faith  and  love; 

Brings  ev'ry  blessing  from  above. 

3  Restraining  pray'r,  we  cease  to  fight; 
Pray'r  makes  the  Christian's  armour  bright; 
And  while  he  stands  with  arms  spread  wide, 
Success  is  always  on  his  side. 

4  Were  half  the  breath  that's  vainly  spent, 
To  heav'n  in  supplication  sent : 

Our  cheerful  song  would  oft'ner  be, 
"Hear  what  the  Lord  has  done  for  me." 

Hymn  639.  l.  m. 

The  Mercy- Seat, 

1  1/1  ROM  ev'ry  stormy  wind  that  blows, 
JO     From  ev'ry  swelling  tide  of  woes, 
There  is  a  calm,  a  sure  retreat ; 

'Tis  found  beneath  the  mercy-seat. 

2  There  is  a  scene  where  spirits  blend, 
Where  friend  holds  fellowship  with  friend. 
Though  sunder' d  far,  by  faith  they  meet 
Around  one  common  mercy-seat. 

3  Ah !  whither  could  we  fly  for  aid, 
When  tempted,  desolate,  dismay' d? 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  431 

Or  how  the  hosts  of  hell  defeat, 
Had  sufTring  saints  no  mercy-seat1? 

There,  there  on  eagle's  wings  we  soar, 
And  sin,  and  sense,  seem  all  no  more ; 
And  heav'n  comes  down  our  souls  to  greet, 
And  glory  crowns  the  mercy-seat. 

O  let  my  hand  forget  her  skill, 
My  tongue  be  silent,  cold  and  still, 
This  bounding  heart  forget  to  beat, 
If  I  forget  the  mercy-seat. 

Hymn  640.  p.  m.  iia  &  ios. 

Prayer,  the  Refuge  of  the  Disconsolate. 
OME,  ye  disconsolate,  where'er  you  languish, 


c 


Come  to  the  mercy -seat,  fervently  kneel. 
Here  bring  your  wounded  hearts,  here  tell  your 
anguish : 
Earth  has  no  sorrows,  that  heav'n  cannot  heal. 

2  Joy  of  the  comfortless,  light  of  the  straying ; 

Hope,  when  all  others  die,  fadeless  and  pure ; 
Here  speaks  the  Comforter,  in  mercy  saying, 
Earth  has  no  sorrow,  that  heav'n  cannot  cure. 

3  Here  see  the  bread  of  life,  see  waters  flowing 

Forth  from  the  throne  of  God,  pure  from  above. 
Come  to  the  feast  of  love,  come,  ever  knowing, 
Earth  has  no  sorrows  but  heav'n  can  remove. 

Hymn  641.  c.  m. 

Religious  Retirement,  and  Secret  Prayer. 

AR  from  the  world,  O  Lord !  I  flee, 
From  strife  and  tumult  far ; 
From  scenes,  where  sin  is  waging  still 


F 


Its  most  successful  war. 
37* 


432  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS, 

2  The  calm  retreat,  the  silent  shade, 

With  prayer  and  praise  agree; 
And  seem  by  thy  sweet  bounty  made 
For  those  who  follow  thee. 

3  There,  if  thy  Spirit  touch  the  soul, 

And  grace  her  mean  abode : 

0  with  what  peace,  and  joy,  and  love, 
She  communes  with  her  God  ! 

4  There,  like  the  nightingale,  she  pours 

Her  solitary  lays  ; 
Nor  asks  a  witness  of  her  song, 
Nor  thirsts  for  human  praise. 

5  What  thanks  I  owe  thee  !  and  what  love, 

A  boundless,  endless  store, 
Shall  echo  through  the  realms  above, 
When  time  shall  be  no  more ! 

Hymn  642.  p.  m.  7s. 

Filial  Confidence  Supplicated. 

1  f|UIET,  Lord,  my  froward  heart; 
^c£  Make  me  teachable  and  mild. 
Upright,  simple,  free  from  art ; 

Make  me  as  a  weaned  child ; 
From  distrust  and  envy  free, 
Pleas' d  with  all  that  pleases  thee. 

2  What  thou  shalt  to-day  provide, 

Let  me  as  a  child  receive ; 
What  to-morrow  may  betide, 

Calmly  to  thy  wisdom  leave. 
'Tis  enough,  that  thou  wilt  care : 
Why  should  I  the  burden  bear  ? 

3  As  a  little  child  relies 

On  a  care  beyond  his  own, 
Knows  he's  neither  strong  nor  wise, 
Fears  to  stir  a  step  alone : 


s 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  433 

Let  me  thus  with  thee  abide, 
As  my  Father,  guard,  and  guide. 

Thus  preserv'd  from  ev'ry  wile, 
Safe  from  dangers,  free  from  fears, 

May  I  live  upon  thy  smile, 

Till  the  promis'd  hour  appears, 

When  the  sons  of  God  shall  prove 

All  their  Father's  boundless  love. 

Hymn  643.  p.  m.  7s  &  its. 

Divine  Light  and  Comfort. 

OMETIMES  a  light  surprises 
The  Christian,  while  he  sings; 
It  is  the  Lord,  who  rises 

With  healing  on  his  wings. 
When  comforts  are  declining, 

He  grants  the  soul  again 
A  season  of  clear  shining, 
To  cheer  it  after  rain. 

2  In  holy  contemplation 

We  sweetly  then  pursue 
The  theme  of  God's  salvation, 

And  find  it  ever  new. 
Set  free  from  present  sorrow, 

We  cheerfully  can  say, 
Let  the  unknown  to-morrow 

Bring  with  it  what  it  may. 

3  It  can  bring  with  it  nothing, 

But  he  will  bear  us  through  : — 
Who  gives  the  lilies  clothing, 

Will  clothe  his  people  too. 
Beneath  the  spreading  heavens, 

No  creature  but  is  fed  : 
And  lie  who  feeds  the  ravens, 

Will  give  his  children  bread. 


434  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

4  Though  vine  nor  fig-tree  neither 

Their  wonted  fruit  should  bear ; 
Though  all  the  fields  should  wither, 

Nor  flocks  nor  herds  be  there  : 
Yet  God  the  same  abiding, 

His  praise  shall  tune  my  voice ; 
For,  while  in  him  confiding, 

I  cannot  but  rejoice, 

Hymn  644.  l.  m. 

Trust,  not  in  Creatures,  but  in  God. 

1  ivr Y  spirit  iooks  to  G°d  aj°ne » 

±TJ_  My  rock  and  refuge  is  his  throne : 
In  all  my  fears,  in  all  my  straits, 
My  soul  on  his  salvation  waits. 

2  Trust  him,  ye  saints,  in  all  your  ways, 
Pour  out  your  hearts  before  his  face : 
When  helpers  fail,  and  foes  invade, 
God  is  our  all-sufficient  aid. 

3  False  are  the  men  of  high  degree  ; 
The  baser  sort  are  vanity : 

Laid  in  the  balance,  both  appear 
Light  as  a  puff  of  empty  air. 

4  Make  not  increasing  gold  your  trust, 
Nor  set  your  heart  on  glitt'ring  dust 
Why  will  you  grasp  the  fleeting  smoke, 
And  not  believe  what  God  hath  spoke  1 

5  Once  has  his  awful  voice  declar'd, 
Once  and  again  my  ears  have  heard : 
"All  pow'r  is  his  eternal  due; 

He  must  be  fear'd  and  trusted  too." 

Hymn  645.  l.  m. 

Contentment  and  Trust  in  God, 

1   ~RE  Sti11'  my  heart !  these  anxious  cares 
J^J  To  thee  are  burdens,  thorns,  and  snares 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  435 

They  cast  dishonour  on  thy  Lord, 
And  contradict  his  gracious  word. 

2  Brought  safely  by  his  hand  thus  far, 
Why  wilt  thou  now  give  place  to  fear? 
How  canst  thou  want,  if  he  provide  ? 
Or  lose  thy  way  with  such  a  guide? 

3  Did  ever  trouble  yet  befall, 
And  he  refuse  to  hear  thy  call? 
And  has  he  not  his  promise  pass'd, 
That  thou  shalt  overcome  at  last  ? 

4  Though  rough  and  thorny  be  the  road, 
It  leads  thee  home  apace  to  God : 
Then  count  thy  present  trial  small, 
For  heavn  will  make  amends  for  all. 

Hymn  646.   l.  m. 

Submission  and  Trnst. 

1  "IV/fY  God,  I  thank  thee  !  may  no  thought 
_I_T_I_  E:er  deem  thy  chastisement  severe: 
But  may  this  heart,  by  sorrow  taught, 

Calm  each  wild  wish,  each  idle  fear. 

2  Thy  mercy  bids  all  nature  bloom ; 

The  sun  shines  bright,  and  man  is  gay : 
Thine  equal  mercy  spreads  the  gloom, 
That  darkens  o'er  his  little  day. 

3  Full  many  a  throb  of  grief  and  pain 

Thy  frail  and  erring  child  must  know  : 
But  not  one  pray'r  is  breath' d  in  vain, 
Nor  does  one  tear  unheeded  flow. 

4  Thy  various  messengers  employ ; 

Thy  purposes  of  love  fulfil : 
And  'mid  the  wreck  of  human  joy, 
Let  kneeling  faith  adore  thy  will. 


436  ADDITIONAL  HYMNS. 


w 


Hymn  647.  c.  m. 

Isaiah  xl.  27—31. 

HY  mournest  thou,  my  anxious  soul, 
Despairing  of  relief) 
As  if  the  Lord  o'erlook'd  thy  cares, 
Or  pity'd  not  thy  grief? 

2  Art  thou  afraid,  his  power  will  fail 

In  sorrow's  evil  day? 
Can  the  Creator's  mighty  arm 
Grow  weary  or  decay  ? 

3  Supreme  in  wisdom,  as  in  pow'r, 

The  Rock  of  ages  stands : 
Thou  canst  not  search  his  mind,  nor  trace 
The  working  of  his  hands. 

4  He  gives  the  conquest  to  the  weak, 

Supports  the  fainting  heart; 
And  courage  in  the  evil  hour 
His  heav'nly  aids  impart. 

5  Mere  human  energy  shall  faint, 

And  youthful  vigour  cease : 
But  those  who  wait  upon  the  Lord, 
In  strength  shall  still  increase. 

6  They,  with  unweary'd  step,  shall  tread 

The  path  of  life  divine ; 
With  growing  ardour  onward  move, 
With  growing  brightness  shine. 

Hymn  648.  c.  m. 

Moderation. 

1   TTAPPY  the  man,  whose  cautious  steps 
X  X  Still  keep  the  golden  mean ; 
Whose  life,  by  wisdom's  rules  well  form'd, 
Declares  a  conscience  clean. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.       *        437 

What  blessings  bounteous  heav'n  bestows, 

He  takes  with  thankful  heart ; 
With  temp: ranee  he  both  eats  and  drinks, 

And  gives  the  poor  a  part. 

To  sect  or  party  his  large  soul 

Disdains  to  be  confirid  : 
The  good  he  loves  of  ev'ry  name, 

And  prays  for  all  mankind. 

His  business  is  to  keep  his  heart; 

Each  passion  to  control; 
Nobly  ambitious  well  to  rule 

The  empire  of  his  soul. 

Not  on  the  world  his  heart  is  set; 

His  treasure  is  above : 
Nothing  beneath  the  sov' reign  good 

Can  claim  his  highest  love. 


F 


Hymn  649.  p.  m.  8s  &  6s. 

The  Parent's  Prayer. 

ATHER  of  all,  whose  sovereign  will 
Hath  called  thy  servant  to  fulfil 
The  parent's  tender  part ! 
With  gifts  and  graces  from  above, 
With  calmest  care  and  wisest  love, 
Instruct  my  simple  heart. 

O  may  I  ev'ry  moment  see 

Th'  important  end  for  which  to  me 

Thou  hast  my  children  giv'n ! 
A  blessed  instrument  divine, 
Through  thee,  to  make  and  keep  them  thine, 

And  train  them  up  for  heav'n. 

Help  me,  great  God  !  their  souls  to  rear, 
And,  principled  with  holy  fear, 
In  virtue's  path  to  lead; 


438  *       ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

The  hunger  after  thee  excite, 
And  stir  them  up  with  all  their  might 
To  seek  the  living  bread. 

4  Thou,  Lord,  my  ev'ry  fault  prevent, 
And  guard  whom  thou  to  me  hast  lent, 

And  guide  them  by  thine  eye. 
Conduct,  or  to  thyself  receive  : 
O  let  them  to  thy  glory  live, 

Or  in  thy  favour  die ! 

Hymn  650.  c.  m. 

Unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  Bond  of  Peace, 

1  rilHE  glorious  universe  around, 

_■_     The  heav'ns  with  all  their  train, 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars,  are  firmly  bound 
In  one  mysterious  chain. 

2  God  in  creation  thus  displays 

His  wisdom  and  his  might ; 
While  all  his  works  with  all  his  ways 
Harmoniously  unite. 

3  In  one  fraternal  bond  of  love, 

One  fellowship  of  mind, 
The  saints  below  and  saints  above 
Their  bliss  and  glory  find. 

4  Here,  in  their  house  of  pilgrimage, 

Thy  statutes  are  their  song ; 
There,  through  one  bright,  eternal  age, 
Thy  praises  they  prolong. 

5  Lord !  may  our  union  form  a  part 

Of  that  thrice-happy  whole ; 
Derive  its  pulse  from  thee,  the  heart ; 
Its  life  from  thee,  the  soul. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  439 

Hymn  651.  p.  m.  7*. 

Lords-day  Morning. 

1  CI  AFELY  through  another  week, 
1*3   God  has  brought  us  on  our  way : 
Let  us  now  a  blessing  seek, 

Waiting  in  his  courts  to-day ; — 
Day  of  all  the  week  the  best, 
Emblem  of  eternal  rest. 

2  Mercies,  multiply'd  each  hour, 

Through  the  week,  our  praise  demand; 
Guarded  by  thy  mighty  pow'r, 

Fed  and  guided  by  thy  hand. 
From  our  worldly  cares  set  free, 
May  we  find  repose  in  thee ! 

3  May  the  gospel's  joyful  sound 

Conquer  sinners,  comfort  saints; 
Make  the  fruits  of  grace  abound ; 

Bring  relief  for  all  complaints. 
Blest  may  all  our  sabbaths  prove, 
Till  we  join  the  church  above  ! 

Hymn  652.  s.  m. 

Invitations  to  God's  House. 

1  /^1  OME  to  the  house  of  pray'r, 
\-J   0  thou  afflicted,  come  : 

The  God  of  peace  shall  meet  thee  there, 
He  makes  that  house  his  home. 

2  Come  to  the  house  of  praise, 

Ye  who  are  happy  now  : 
In  sweet  accord  your  voices  raise, 
In  kindred  homage  bow. 

3  Ye  aged,  hither  come, 

For  ye  have  felt  his  love : 
Soon  shall  your  trembling  tongues  be  dumb, 
Your  lips  forget  to  move. 
33 


440  ADDITIONAL   HYMNS. 

4  Ye  young,  before  his  throne, 

Come,  bow,  your  voices  raise : 
Let  not  your  hearts  his  praise  disown, 
Who  gives  the  pow'r  to  praise. 

5  Thou,  whose  benignant  eye 

In  mercy  looks  on  all ; 
Who  seest  the  tear  of  misery, 
And  hear'st  the  mourner's  call ; 

6  Up  to  thy  dwelling-place 

Bear  our  frail  spirits  on, 
Till  they  outstrip  time's  tardy  pace, 
And  heav'n  on  earth  be  won. 

Hymn  653.  s.  m. 

Delight  in  Ordinances. 

1  X17"ELCOME,  sweet  day  of  rest, 

▼  ▼      That  saw  the  Lord  arise ; 
Welcome  to  this  reviving  breast, 
And  these  rejoicing  eyes  ! 

2  The  King  himself  comes  near, 

And  feasts  his  saints  to-day : 
Here  we  may  sit,  and  see  him  here, 
And  love,  and  praise,  and  pray. 

3  One  day  amidst  the  place 

Where  my  dear  Lord  hath  been, 
Is  sweeter  than  ten  thousand  days 
Of  pleasure  and  of  sin. 

4  My  willing  soul  would  stay 

In  such  a  frame  as  this, 
And  sit  and  sing  herself  away 
To  everlasting  bliss. 


s 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  441 

Hym  N   654.    C.  M. 

The  Sabbath  of  the  Soul 

LEEP,  sleep  to-day,  tormenting  cares, 
Of  earth  and  folly  born ! 


Ye  shall  not  dim  the  light  that  streams 
From  this  celestial  morn. 

2  To-morrow  will  be  time  enough 

To  feel  your  harsh  control : 
Ye  shall  not  violate  this  day, 
The  sabbath  of  my  soul. 

3  Sleep,  sleep  for  ever,  guilty  thoughts ! 

Let  fires  of  vengeance  die  ! 
And,  cleans' d  from  sin,  may  I  behold 
A  God  of  purity ! 

Hymn  655.  p.  m.  7s. 

Humble  Worship. 

1  XT7"HEN  before  thy  throne  we  kneel, 

t  ?      Fill'd  with  awe  and  holy  fear, 
Teach  us,  O  our  God,  to  feel 
All  thy  sacred  presence  near. 

2  Check  each  proud  and  wand' ring  thought, 
When  on  thy  great  name  we  call. 

Man  is  nought,  is  less  than  nought ; 
Thou,  our  God,  art  all  in  all. 

3  0  receive  the  praise  that  dares 
Seek  thy  heav'n-exalted  throne ; 
Bless  our  off' rings,  hear  our  pray'rs, 
Infinite  and  Holy  One  ! 

Hymn  656.  c.  m. 

After  Sermon. 

1     \  GAIN  our  ears  have  heard  the  voice, 
_/jl  At  which  the  dead  shall  live : 


442  ADDITIONAL   HYMNS. 

v   O  may  the  sound  our  hearts  rejoice, 
And  strength  immortal  give  ! 

2  And  have  we  heard  the  word  with  joy  1 
And  have  we  felt  its  pow'r  % 
To  keep  it  be  our  blest  employ, 
Till  life's  concluding  hour. 

Hymn  657.  c.  m. 

After  Sermon. 

1  \  LMIGHTY  God,  thy  word  is  cast 
-TIL  Like  seed  into  the  ground : 
Now  let  the  dew  of  heav'n  descend, 

And  righteous  fruits  abound. 

2  Oft  as  the  precious  seed  is  sown, 

Thy  quick'  ning  grace  bestow ; 
That  all  whose  souls  the  truth  receive, 
Its  saving  pow'r  may  know. 

Hymn  658.  p.  m.  7s. 

Benediction. 

1  l^T  OW  may  he,  who  from  the  dead 
_L^(    Brought  the  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 
Jesus  Christ,  our  King  and  Head, — 

All  our  souls  in  safely  keep. 

2  May  he  teach  us  to  fulfil 

What  is  pleasing  in  his  sight ; 
Perfect  us  in  all  his  will, 

And  preserve  us  day  and  night. 

Hymn  659.  p.m.  8s&7s. 

Benediction. 

1  1%/TAY  the  grace  of  Christ,  our  Saviour, 
J_TJL  And  the  Father's  boundless  love, 
With  the  holy  Spirit's  favour, 
Rest  upon  us  from  above. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  443 

2  Thus  may  we  abide  in  union 

With  each  other  and  the  Lord ; 

And  possess,  in  sweet  communion, 

Joys  which  earth  cannot  afford. 

Hymn  660.  l.  m. 

At  the  Baptism  of  a  Child. 

1  r  ■  1  HIS  child  we  dedicate  to  thee, 

JL     O  God  of  grace  and  purity  ! 
Shield  it  from  sin  and  threat'ning  wrong, 
And  let  thy  love  its  life  prolong. 

2  O  may  thy  Spirit  gently  draw 
Its  willing  soul  to  keep  thy  law ! 
May  virtue,  piety,  and  truth 
Dawn  even  with  its  dawning  youth ! 

3  We,  too,  before  thy  gracious  sight, 
Once  shar'd  the  blest  baptismal  rite; 
And  would  renew  its  solemn  vow 
With  love  and  thanks  and  praises  now. 

4  Grant  that  with  true  and  faithful  heart 
We  still  may  act  the  Christian  part ; 
Cheer' d  by  each  promise  thou  hast  giv'n, 
And  lab' ring  for  the  prize  of  heav'n. 

Hymn  661.  c.  m. 

At  the  Close  of  the  Communion. 

1  /^l  GOD,  accept  the  sacred  hour 
V^  Which  we  to  thee  have  giv'n  ; 
And  let  this  hallow' d  scene  have  pow'r 

To  raise  our  souls  to  heav'n. 

2  Still  let  us  hold,  till  life  departs, 

The  precepts  of  thy  Son; 
Nor  let  our  thoughtless,  thankless  hearts, 
Forget  what  he  has  done. 
3S* 


G 


444  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

3  His  true  disciples  may  we  live, 
From  all  corruption  free ; 
And  humbly  leam,  like  him,  to  give 
Our  pow'rs,  our  wills  to  thee. 

4  And  oft,  along  life's  dang'rous  way, 
To  smooth  our  passage  through, 
Wilt  thou,  as  on  this  holy  day, 
For  us  this  scene  renew  ! 

Hymn  662.  l.  m. 

Morning  Hymn. 

OD  of  the  morning,  at  whose  voice 
The  cheerful  sun  makes  haste  to  rise, 
And  like  a  giant  doth  rejoice 

To  run  his  journey  through  the  skies ; 

O  like  the  sun  may  I  fulfil 

Th'  appointed  duties  of  the  day, 

With  ready  mind  and  active  will 

March  on  and  keep  my  heav'nly  way. 

Lord !  thy  commands  are  clear  and  pure, 
Enlight'ning  our  beclouded  eyes; 

Thy  threat' nings  just,  thy  promise  sure ; 
Thy  gospel  makes  the  simple  wise. 

Give  me  thy  counsel  for  my  guide, 
And  then  receive  me  to  thy  bliss. 

All  my  desires  and  hopes  beside, 

Are  faint  and  cold,  compar'd  with  this. 

Hymn  663.  p.  m.  &». 

Morning  or  Evening. 

AS  ev'ry  day  thy  mercy  spares, 
Will  bring  its  trials  or  its  cares, 
O  Father,  till  my  life  shall  end, 
Be  thou  my  counsellor  and  friend ! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  445 

Teach  me  thy  statutes  all  divine, 
And  let  thy  will  be  always  mine. 

When  each  day's  scenes  and  labours  close, 
And  weary' d  nature  seeks  repose ; 
With  pard'ning  mercy  richly  blest, 
Guard  me,  my  Father,  while  I  rest : 
And  as  each  morning  sun  shall  rise, 

0  lead  me  onward  to  the  skies  ! 

And  at  my  life's  last  setting  sun, 
My  conflicts  o'er,  my  labours  done — 
Father,  thy  heav'nly  radiance  shed, 
To  cheer  and  bless  my  dying  bed : 
And  from  death's  gloom  my  spirit  raise, 
To  see  thy  face  and  sing  thy  praise. 

Hymn  664.  s.  m. 

Evening. 

1  r  1 1HE  day  is  pass' d  and  gone, 

_l_     The  ev'ning  shades  appear : 
O  may  I  ever  keep  in  mind, 
The  night  of  death  draws  near ! 

2  I  lay  my  garments  by, 

Upon  my  bed  to  rest : 
So  death  will  soon  disrobe  my  soul 
Of  what  is  here  possess' d. 

3  Lord,  keep  me  safe  this  night, 

Secure  from  all  my  fears  : 
Protect  and  guard  me,  while  I  sleep, 
Till  morning-light  appears. 

4  And  when  my  days  are  pass'd, 

And  I  from  time  remove, 
Lord,  may  I  in  thy  bosom  rest, 
The  bosom  of  thy  love. 


446  ADDITIONAL   HYMNS. 

Hymn  665.  p.  m.  7s. 

Safety  in  God.     Morning  or  Evening, 

1  FT!  HEY  who  on  the  Lord  rely, 

JL     Safely  dwell,  though  danger's  nigh. 
Lo,  his  shelt'ring  wings  are  spread 
O'er  each  faithful  servant's  head. 

2  Vain  is  ev'ry  wily  snare; 
Christians  are  Jehovah's  care  : 
Harmless  flies  the  shaft  by  day, 
Or  in  darkness  wings  its  way. 

3  When  they  wake,  or  when  they  sleep, 
God  in  safety  them  will  keep. 
Death  and  danger  may  be  near, 
Faith  and  love  have  nought  to  fear. 

Hymn  666.  p.  m.  7s. 

Evening  Hymn, 

1  It/TIGHTY  God  !  another  day 
_LTJL  Me  hath  sped  along  my  way. 
Nearer  to  my  grave  I've  come, 
Nearer  to  mine  endless  home. 

2  Thanks  for  life's  extended  length, 
For  continued  health  and  strength, 
Food  and  raiment,  sun  and  air, 
Still  provided  by  thy  care ; 

3  Powers  of  soul  and  body  still 
Guarded  from  each  threat'ning  ill ; 
Friends  to  love,  and  good  to  do, 
Truth  to  seek,  and  heav'n  pursue. 

4  Gracious  God  !  my  thanks  sincere 
Kindly  deign  in  heav'n  to  hear. 
Bid  them  gush,  full,  warm,  and  free, 
From  a  spirit  fill'd  with  thee. 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  447 

5  Round  me  close  the  shades  of  night ; 
Gird  me  with  thy  presence  bright. 
Darkness  comes  not  where  thou  art : 
Dwell  thou  ever  in  my  heart ! 

Hymn  667.  p.  m.  h. 

New-  Year, 

1  ~¥"^7~HILE,  with  ceaseless  course,  the  sun 

▼  T      Hasted  through  the  former  year, 
Many  souls  their  race  have  run, 

Never  more  to  meet  us  here  ! 
Fix'd  in  an  eternal  state, 

They  have  done  with  all  below : 
We  a  little  longer  wait  ; 

But  how  little,  none  can  know. 

2  As  the  winged  arrow  flies, 

Speedily  the  mark  to  find ; 
As  the  lightning  from  the  skies 

Darts,  and  leaves  no  trace  behind  : 
Swiftly  thus  our  fleeting  days 

Bear  us  down  life's  rapid  stream. 
Upward,  Lord,  our  spirits  raise ; 

All  below  is  but  a  dream. 

3  Thanks  for  mercies  past  receive ; 

Pardon  of  our  sins  renew ; 
Teach  us,  henceforth,  how  to  live 

With  eternity  in  view. 
Bless  thy  word  to  young  and  old ; 

Grant  us,  Lord,  thy  peace  and  love ; 
And  when  life's  short  tale  is  told, 

May  we  dwell  with  thee  above ! 

Hymn  668.  c.  m. 

Sun,  stand  thou  still.     Joshua  x.  12. 

1  "  OTAND  still,  refulgent  orb  of  day !" 
k3   The  Jewish  victor  cries : 


448  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

So  shall,  at  last,  an  angel  say, 
And  tear  it  from  the  skies. 

2  A  flame,  intenser  than  the  sun, 

Shall  melt  his  golden  urn ; 
Time's  empty  glass  no  more  shall  run, 
Nor  human  years  return. 

3  Then,  with  immortal  splendour  bright, 

That  glorious  orb  shall  rise, 
Which  through  eternity  shall  light 
The  new-created  skies. 

4  His  moral  triumphs  then  complete, 

Jesus,  our  Lord,  shall  place 

Before  his  heav'nly  Father's  seat 

The  heirs  of  life  and  grace. 

5  Unceasing  flows  the  mortal  tide ; 

Unceasing  let  it  flow  : 
If  thou,  O  Lord,  our  guard  and  guide, 
Wilt  daily  grace  bestow. 

6  Then,  sun  of  nature  !  roll  along 

And  bear  our  years  away : 
The  sooner  shall  we  join  the  song 
Of  everlasting  day. 

Hymn  669.  p.  m.  7s. 

On  opening  a  Place  for  Worship. 

1  1  '    ORD  of  hosts,  to  thee  we  raise 

I   A   Here  a  house  of  pray'r  and  praise. 
Thou  thy  people's  heart  prepare 
Here  to  meet  for  praise  and  pray'r  S 

2  Let  the  living  here  be  fed 

With  thy  word,  the  heav'nly  bread; 
Here,  in  hope  of  glory  bless' d, 
May  the  dead  be  laid  to  rest. 

3  Here  to  thee  a  temple  stand, 
While  the  sea  shall  gird  the  land  ! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  449 

Here  reveal  thy  mercy  sure, 
While  the  sun  and  moon  endure. 

4  Hallelujah  ! — earth  and  sky 
To  the  joyful  sound  reply  ; 
Hallelujah  ! — hence  ascend 
Pray'r  and  praise,  till  time  shall  end. 

Hymn  670.  l.  m. 

Dedication  of  a  House  of  Worship. 

1  f\  BOW  thine  ear,  Eternal  One  ! 

V>J   On  thee  our  heart  adoring  calls  ; 
To  thee  the  foll'wers  of  thy  Son 

Have  rais'd,  and  now  devote  these  walls. 

2  Here  may  thine  honour  dwell ;  and  here 

As  incense,  let  thy  children's  pray'r, 
From  contrite  hearts,  and  lips  sincere, 
Rise  on  the  still  and  holy  air. 

3  Here  be  thy  praise  devoutly  sung ; 

Here  let  thy  truth  beam  forth  lo  save, 
As  when  of  old  thy  Spirit  hung 

On  wings  of  light,  o'er  Jordan's  wave. 

4  And  when  the  lips,  that  with  thy  name 

Are  vocal  now,  to  dust  shall  turn, 
On  others  may  devotion's  flame 
Be  kindled  here,  and  purely  burn. 

Hymn  671.  l.  m. 

At  the  Ordination  of  a  Minister. 

1  r\   THOU,  who  art  above  all  height ! 
\-J  Our  God,  our  Father,  and  our  Friend ! 
Beneath  thy  throne  of  love  and  light, 

Let  thine  adoring  children  bend. 

2  We  join  in  praise,  that  here  is  set 

A  vine  that  by  thy  culture  grew ; 


450  ADDITIONAL   HYMNS. 

We  join  in  pray'r,  that  thou  wouldst  wet 
Its  op'ning  leaves  with  heav'nly  dew. 

3  Since  thy  young  servant  now  hath  giv'n 

Himself)  his  pow'rs,  his  hopes,  his  youth, 
To  the  great  cause  of  truth  and  heav'n, 
Be  thou  his  guide,  O  God  of  truth ! 

4  And  may  his  doctrines  drop  like  rain, 

His  speech  like  Hermon's  dew  distil, 
Till  green  fields  smile,  and  golden  grain, 
Ripe  for  the  harvest,  wait  thy  will. 

5  And  when  he  sinks  in  death, — by  care, 

Or  pain,  or  toil,  or  years  oppress' d— 
O  God !  remember  thou  our  pray'r, 
And  take  his  spirit  to  thy  rest. 

Hymn  672.  c.  m. 

For  a  Meeting  of  Ministers. 

ET  Zion's  watchmen  all  awake, 
And  take  th'  alarm  they  give ; 
Now  let  us  from  the  mouth  of  God 
Our  solemn  charge  receive. 

'Tis  not  a  cause  of  small  import 

The  pastor's  care  demands ; 
But  what  might  fill  an  angel's  heart, 

And  fill'd  a  Saviour's  hands. 

All  to  the  great  tribunal  haste, 
Th'  account  to  render  there : 

And  shouldst  thou  strictly  mark  our  faults, 
Lord,  how  should  we  appear? 

May  we,  that  Jesus  whom  we  preach, 

Our  own  Redeemer  see  ! 
And  watch  thou  daily  o'er  our  souls, 

That  we  may  watch  for  thee. 


L 


additional  hymns.  451 

Hymn  673.  l.  m. 

Prayer  for  Ministers. 

1  TT1ATHER  of  mercies,  bow  thine  ear, 
_T     Attentive  to  our  earnest  pray'r. 
We  plead  for  those,  who  plead  for  thee : 
Successful  pleaders  may  they  be ! 

2  How  great  their  work  !  how  vast  their  charge! 
Do  thou  their  anxious  souls  enlarge ! 

Their  best  acquirements  are  our  gain; 
We  share  the  blessings  they  obtain. 

3  Clothe,  then,  with  energy  divine 

Their  words,  and  Jet  those  words  be  thine : 
To  them  thy  sacred  truth  reveal, 
Suppress  their  fear,  inflame  their  zeal. 

4  Teach  them  to  sow  the  precious  seed ; 
Teach  them  thy  chosen  flock  to  feed ; 
Teach  them  immortal  souls  to  gain — 
Souls  that  will  well  reward  their  pain. 

5  Let  thronging  multitudes  around 
Hear  from  their  lips  the  joyful  sound; 
In  humble  strains  thy  grace  implore, 
And  feel  thy  new-creating  pow'r. 

6  Let  sinners  break  their  massy  chains ; 
Distressed  souls  forget  their  pains ; 

Let  light  through  distant  realms  be  spread, 
And  Zion  rear  her  drooping  head. 

Hymn  674.  p.  m.  8s&7s. 

Prayer  for  a  Congregation,  as  the  Lord's  Vineyard. 

1    ^EE  the  vineyard  thou  hast  planted, 
k3   God  of  mercy,  Lord  of  hosts  ! 
Let  thy  people's  pray'r  be  granted — 
Keep  it  safe  from  hostile  boasts. 
39 


452  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Hear,  O  hear  us,  when  we  pray — 
Keep  thy  vineyard  night  and  day ! 

2  Drooping  plants  revive  and  nourish ; 

Let  them  thrive  beneath  thy  hand; 
Let  the  weak  grow  strong  and  flourish, 

Blooming  fair  at  thy  command; 
Let  the  fruitful  yield  thee  more, 
Laden  with  a  plenteous  store. 

3  Further,  Lord,  be  thou  entreated ; 

Plant  the  barren  waste  around. 
Let  thy  work  be  thus  completed, 

And  no  fruitless  spot  be  found. 
Let  the  earth  a  vineyard  be, 
Consecrated,  Lord,  to  thee. 

Hymn  675.  cm. 

Remembrance  of  the  Creator  in  Youth. 

1  TN  the  soft  season  of  thy  youth, 
_L  In  nature's  smiling  bloom, 
Ere  age  arrive,  and  trembling  wait 

Its  summons  to  the  tomb ; 

2  Remember  thy  Creator,  God ; 

For  him  thy  pow'rs  employ; 
Make  him  thy  fear,  thy  love,  thy  hope, 
Thy  confidence,  thy  joy. 

3  He  shall  defend  and  guide  thy  course 

Through  life's  uncertain  sea, 
Till  thou  art  landed  on  the  shore 
Of  blest  eternity. 

4  Then  seek  the  Lord  betimes,  and  choose 

The  path  of  heav'nly  truth  : 
The  earth  affords  no  lovelier  sight 
Than  a  religious  youth. 


ADDITIONAL  HYMNS.  453 

Hymn  676.  p.  m.  iog  &  lis. 

Prayer  for  the  Aged. 

1  ri"l  HE  day  is  far  spent,  the  evening  is  nigh, 

JL     When  I  must  lay  down  this  body  and  die : 
Great  God  !  I  surrender  my  dust  to  thy  care  ; 
Do  thou  for  the  summons  my  spirit  prepare. 

2  The  hours  that  remain,  O  with  me  abide, 
And  in  the  dark  vale  of  death  be  my  guide. 
Through  life's  weary  journey  thou  ever  wast  near; 
And  in  my  last  moments,  Lord,  for  me  appear. 

3  Though  rayless  the  night,  though  starless  the  skies, 
Extinguish' d  all  light,  and  death  on  my  eyes; 

An  unclouded  morning  shall  rise  on  the  tomb, 
Before  whose  bright  dawning  shall  vanish  its  gloom. 

4  0  day  long  foretold,  when  wilt  thou  appear  % 
Thy  approach  I  behold  with  hope  and  with  fear. 
O  righteous  Judge,  spare  me;  from  sin  set  me  free* 
And  daily  prepare  me  to  stand  before  thee ! 

Hymn  677.  l.  m. 

The  present  moment,  that  of  Decision. 
T  ev'ry  moment,  ev'ry  breath, 


'A 


Life  trembles  on  the  verge  of  death ; 
A  taper's  flame  that  upward  turns, 
While  downward  to  the  dust  it  burns. 

A  moment  usher' d  us  to  birth, 
Heirs  of  the  commonwealth  of  earth. 
Moment  by  moment  years  are  past; 
And  one,  ere  long,  will  be  our  last. 

'Twixt  that  which  struck  us  into  light, 
And  that  which  shall  eclipse  in  night, 
There  is  a  point  no  eye  can  see, 
Yet  hangs  on  it  eternity. 


454  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

4  God  for  our  portion  then  we  choose, 
Or  him  ungrateful  then  refuse. 

Where  is  that  point  of  wo  or  bliss  ? 

Gone  by?— to  come?— no,  here,— 'tis  this. 

5  This  is  the  moment,  which  begins ; 
Now,  let  us  cast  away  our  sins. 
This  is  the  moment ;  on  its  end, 
Will  pain  or  paradise  depend. 

6  The  past  is  fled,  the  future  not; 
The  present  is  our  only  lot. 

O  God,  henceforth  our  hearts  incline, 
To  see  no  other  way  but  thine  ! 

Hymn  678.  l.  m. 

True  length  of  Life. 

1  I       IKE  shadows  gliding  o'er  the  plain, 
XJ   Or  clouds  that  roll  successive  on, 
Man's  busy  generations  pass, 

And  while  we  gaze,  their  forms  are  gone. 

2  "  He  lived— he  died :"  behold  the  sum, 

The  abstract  ofth'  historian's  page! 
Alike  in  God's  all-seeing  eye, 

The  infant's  day,  the  patriarch's  age. 

3  O  Father !  in  whose  mighty  hand 

The  boundless  years  and  ages  lie  ; 
Teach  us  the  boon  of  life  to  prize, 
And  use  the  moments  as  they  fly  ; 

4  To  crowd  the  narrow  span  of  life 

With  wise  designs  and  virtuous  deeds : 
So  shall  we  wake  from  death's  dark  night, 
To  share  the  glory  that  succeeds. 

Hymn  679.  l.  m. 

"  Why  stand  ye  here  idlel" 
1    rilHE  God  of  glory  walks  his  round, 
A     From  day  to  day,  from  year  to  year; 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  455 

And  warns  us  ouch  with  awful  sound, 
"No  longer  stand  ye  idle  here." 

2  "Ye  whose  young  cheeks  are  rosy  bright, 

Whose  hands  are  strong,  whose  hearts  are  clear, 
Waste  not  of  hope  the  morning  light ! 
Ah,  fools  !  why  stand  ye  idle  here  ? 

3  "  O,  as  the  griefs  ye  would  assuage 

That  wait  on  life's  declining  year, 
Secure  a  blessing  for  your  age, 

And  work  your  Maker's  business  here. 

4  "  And  ye,  whose  locks  of  scanty  grey 

Foretell  your  latest  travail  near ; 
How  swiftly  fades  your  worthless  day ! 
And  stand  ye  yet  so  idle  here  ? 

5  "  One  hour  remains,  there  is  but  one  ! 

But  many  a  shriek,  and  many  a  tear 
Through  bitter  years  the  guilt  must  moan 
Of  moments  lost  and  wasted  here  !" 

6  O  thou,  by  all  thy  works  ador'd, 

To  whom  the  sinner's  soul  is  dear, 
Recall  us  to  thy  vineyard,  Lord  ! 

And  grant  us  grace  to  please  thee  here ! 

Hymn  680.  p.  m.  us. 

"  I  would  not  live  alway"     Job  vii.  16. 

WOULD  not  live  alway  :  I  ask  not  to  stay, 
Where  storm  after  storm  rises  dark  o'er  the 
way. 

I  would  not  live  alway :  no,  welcome  the  tomb ; 

Since  Jesus  hath  lain  there,  I  dread  not  its  gloom. 

I  would  not  live  alway,  thus  fetter' d  by  sin; 
Temptation  without,  and  corruption  within : 
E'en  the  rapture  of  pardon  is  mingled  with  fears, 
And  the  cup  of  thanksgiving  with  penitent  tears. 
39* 


I 


456  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

3  Who,  who  would  live  alway,  away  from  his  God, 
Away  from  yon  heaven,  that  blissful  abode  ? 
Where  the  rivers  of  pleasure  flow  o'er  the  bright 

plains, 
And  the  noon-tide  of  glory  eternally  reigns: 

4  Where  the  saints  of  all  ages  in  harmony  meet, 
Their  Saviour  and  brethren  transported  to  greet  • 
While  the  anthems  of  rapture  unceasingly  roll,    ' 
And  the  smile  of  the  Lord  is  the  feast  of  the  soul. 

Hymn  681.  c.  m. 

Impatience  for  Death  sinful. 

1  TITHY  thus  impatient  to  be  gone  ? 

▼  t      Such  wishes  breathe  no  more  : 
Let  him  who  lock'd  thy  spirit  in, 
When  meet,  unbolt  the  door. 

2  Why  wouldst  thou  snatch  the  victor's  palm, 

Before  the  conquest's  won? 
Or  wish  to  seize  th'  immortal  prize, 
Ere  yet  the  race  is  run  1 

3  Inglorious  wish,  to  haste  away 

And  leave  thy  work  undone  ! 
To  serve  thy  Lord,  will  please  no  less 
Than  praising  round  the  throne. 

4  Whilst  thou  art  standing  in  the  field, 

For  bliss  thou' It  riper  grow  : 
Then  wait  the  Lord's  appointed  time, 
Till  he  shall  bid  thee  go. 

Hymn  682.  l.  m. 

Death  of  the  Righteous. 
1  TI0W  bless'd  the  righteous,  when  he  dies! 
XX  When  sinks  a  weary  soul  to  rest, 
How  mildly  beam  the  closing  eyes  ! 
How  gently  heaves  th'  expiring  breast ! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  457 

2  So  lades  a  summer  cloud  away ; 

So  sinks  the  gale,  when  storms  are  o'er; 
So  gently  shuts  the  eye  of  day ; 
So  dies  a  wave  along  the  shore. 

3  A  holy  quiet  reigns  around, 

A  calm  which  life  nor  death  destroys : 
Nothing  disturbs  that  peace  profound, 
Which  his  unfetter' d  soul  enjoys. 

4  Farewell,  conflicting  hopes  and  fears, 

Where  lights  and  shades  alternate  dwell! 
How  bright  tlv  unchanging  morn  appears ! 
Farewell,  inconstant  world,  farewell ! 

5  Life's  duty  done,  as  sinks  the  clay, 

Light  from  its  load  the  spirit  flies ; 
While  heaven  and  earth  combine  to  say, 
"How  bless'd  the  righteous,  when  he  dies  !" 

Hymn  683.   l.  m. 

Fear  of  Death  overcome, 

1  X  CANNOT  shun  the  stroke  of  death  :— 
_l_  Lord,  help  me  to  surmount  the  fear ; 
That  when  I  must  resign  my  breath, 

Serene  my  summons  I  may  hear. 

2  '  Tis  sin  gives  venom  to  the  dart  : — 

In  me  let  ev'  ry  sin  be  slain ! 
From  secret  faults,  Lord,  cleanse  my  heart; 
From  wilful  sins  my  hands  restrain. 

3  May  I,  my  God,  with  holy  zeal, 

Closely  the  ends  of  life  pursue ; 
Seek  thy  whole  pleasure  to  fulfil, 
And  honour  thee  in  all  I  do  ! 

4  Let  all  my  bliss  and  treasure  lie, 

Where  in  thy  light  I  light  shall  see : 
That  man  may  freely  dare  to  die, 
Who  longs  to  be  possess' d  of  thee. 


458  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

5  Say,  thou  art  mine,  and  chase  the  gloom 
Thick  hanging  o'er  the  vale  of  death : 
Then  shall  I  fearless  meet  my  doom, 
And  as  a  victor  yield  my  breath. 

Hymn  684.  l.  m. 

Death,  a  blessing  to  the  Righteous. 

1  I  ^O  flesh  and  nature  dread  to  die? 

J—/   And  tim'rous  thoughts  our  minds  enslave? 
But  grace  can  raise  our  hopes  on  high, 
And  quell  the  terrors  of  the  grave. 

2  Do  we  not  dwell  in  clouds  below, 

And  little  know  the  God  we  love  ? 
Why  should  we  like  this  twilight  so, 
When  'tis  all  noon  in  worlds  above? 

3  When  we  put  off  this  fleshly  load, 

We're  from  a  thousand  mischiefs  free; 
For  ever  present  with  our  God, 

Where  we  have  wish'd  and  long'd  to  be. 

4  No  more  shall  pride  or  passion  rise, 

Or  envy  fret,  or  malice  roar, 
Or  sorrow  mourn  with  downcast  eyes, 
And  sin  defile  our  eyes  no  more. 

5  'Tis  best,  'tis  infinitely  best, 

To  go  where  tempters  cannot  come ; 
Where  saints  and  angels,  ever  blest, 
Dwell  and  enjoy  their  heav'nly  home. 

6  O  for  the  mighty  help  of  God 

To  drive  my  fears  of  death  away, 
And  aid  me  through  this  darksome  road 
To  realms  of  everlasting  day  ! 

Hymn  685.  l.  m. 

Home  in  view. 
1     \  S  when  the  weary  trav'ller  gains 
Xjl  The  height  of  some  o'erlooking  hill, 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  459 

His  heart  revives,  if  'cross  the  plains 

lis  home,  though  distant  still: 

Thus,  when  the  Christian  pilgrim  views, 

By  faith,  his  mansion  in  the  skies, 
The  sight  his  fainting  strength  renews 

And  wings  his  speed  to  reach  the  prize. 

The  thought  of  home  his  spirit  cheers; 

No  more  he  grieves  for  troubles  past : 
Nor  any  future  trial  fears, 

So  he  may  safe  arrive  at  last. 

Father !  on  thee  our  hopes  we  stay, 

To  lead  us  on  to  thine  abode  : 
Assurd  thy  love  will  far  o:erpay 

The  hardest  labours  of  the  road. 

Hymn  686.  l.  m. 

At  the  Funeral  of  the  Righteous. 

UXVEIL  thy  bosom,  faithful  tomb  ! 
Take  this  new  treasure  to  thy  trust ; 
And  give  these  sacred  relics  room 
To  slumber  in  thy  silent  dust. 

No  pain,  no  grief,  no  anxious  fear 
Invade  thy  bounds :  no  mortal  woes 

Can  reach  the  peaceful  sleeper  here, 
While  angels  watch  its  soft  repose. 

So  Jesus  slept ;  God's  dying  Son 

Passd  through  the  grave  and  bless' d  the  bed. 
Then  rest,  dear  saint,  till  from  his  throne 

The  morning  break  and  pierce  the  shade. 

Break,  sacred  morning,  from  the  skies ! 

Then,  cloth' d  anew  in  bright  array, 
Immortal  form  !  to  life  arise, 

And  swell  the  song  of  endless  day. 


460  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Hymn  687.  p.  m.  7s. 

At  a  Funeral. 

1  /^  LAY  to  clay,  and  dust  to  dust ! 
\_y   Let  them  mingle — for  they  must  t 
Give  to  earth  the  earthly  clod, 

For  the  spirit's  fled  to  God. 

2  Upward  let  us  turn  our  view; 
Peace  is  there  and  comfort  too : 
There  shall  those  we  love  be  found, 
Tracing  joy's  eternal  round. 

Hymn  688.  p.  m.  t* 

The  happy  Dead. 

1  T"  T* ARK !  a  voice  divides  the  sky  : — ■ 
JljL  Happy  are  the  faithful  dead ! 

In  the  Lord  who  sweetly  die, 

They  from  all  their  toils  are  freed ! 

Them  the.  Spirit  hath  declar'd 
Blest,  unutterably  blest. 

Jesus  is  their  great  reward  : 
Jesus  is  their  endless  rest. 

2  Who  can  now  lament  the  lot 

Of  a  saint  in  Christ  deceas'd? 
Let  the  world  that  knows  us  not, 

Call  us  hopeless  and  unbless'd. 
When  from  flesh  the  spirit  freed 

Hastens  homeward  to  return ; 
Mortals  cry,  "A  man  is  dead  !  " 

Angels  sing,  "A  child  is  born  !  " 

3  Born  into  the  world  above, 

They  our  happy  brother  greet ; 
Bear  him  to  the  throne  of  love, 

Place  him  at  the  Saviour's  feet. 
Jesus  smiles,  and  says,  "Well  done, 

Good  and  faithful  servant  thou  ! 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  461 

Enter  and  receive  thy  crown ; 
Reign  with  me  triumphant  now  ! " 

Hymn  689.  s.  m. 

The  issues  of  Life  and  Death. 

1  /^  WHERE  shall  rest  be  found, 
V^J   Rest  for  the  weary  soul  ? 
'Twere  vain,  the  ocean's  depths  to  sound, 

Or  pierce  to  either  pole. 

2  The  world  can  never  give 

The  bliss  for  which  we  sigh. 
'Tis  not,  the  whole  of  life  to  live, 
Nor  all  of  death  to  die. 

3  Beyond  this  vale  of  tears, 

There  is  a  life  above, 
Unmeasur'd  by  the  flight  of  years  j 
And  all  that  life  is  love. 

4  There  is  a  death,  whose  pang 

Outlasts  the  fleeting  breath. 
O  what  appalling  horrors  hang 
Around  "  the  second  death  !  " 

5  Lord  God  of  truth  and  grace  ! 

Teach  us  that  death  to  shun  ; 
Lest  we  be  banish' d  from  thy  face 
And  utterly  undone. 

Hymn  690.  p.  m.  8s  &7s. 

The  final  Judgment. 


G 


The  end  of  things  created ! 
The  Judge  of  mankind  doth  appear. 

On  clouds  of  glory  seated  ! 
The  trumpet  sounds  !  the  graves  restore 
The  dead  which  they  contain' d  before ! 

Prepare,  my  soul,  to  meet  him  ! 


462  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Hymn  691.  cm. 

The  Last  Account. 

1  r  H  1  HE  time  draws  near,  when  thou,  my  soul, 

JL     Thy  last  account  must  give  ; 
When  thy  whole  life  shall  be  survey'd 
By  him  who  bade  thee  live 

2  How  many  talents,  O  my  God  ! 

Hast  thou  bestow' d  on  me  ! 
But  yet  how  few  can  there  be  found 
Devoted,  Lord,  to  thee  ! 

3  My  health,  my  time,  my  worldly  store, 

And  thy  more  precious  word, 
The  talents  are  for  which  I  must 
Account  to  thee,  my  Lord. 

4  Much  of  my  time,  alas  !  I've  lost, 

And  much  have  I  mispent : 
How  careless  of  my  grand  concern  ! 
On  trifles  how  intent ! 

5  O  may  the  slothful  servant's  doom, 

My  holy  care  excite ! 
Each  talent  may  I  well  improve, 
And  in  thy  work  delight ! 

Hymn  692.  p.  m.  ss  &  6s. 

Expectation  of  Judgment, 

1  dT\   GOD,  mine  inmost  soul  convert ! 
V^   And  deeply  on  my  thoughtful  heart 

Eternal  things  impress. 
Give  me  to  feel  their  solemn  weight, 
And  tremble  on  the  brink  of  fate; 

Wake  me  to  righteousness. 

2  Before  me  place  in  dread  array 
The  pomp  of  that  tremendous  day, 

When  thou  with  clouds  shalt  come 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  463 

To  judge  the  nations  at  thy  bar; 
And  tell  me,  Lord,  shall  I  be  there 
To  meet  a  joyful  doom? 

3  Be  this  my  one  great  bus'ness  here, 
With  serious  industry  and  fear 

Eternal  bliss  t'  insure  ; 
Thine  utmost  counsel  to  fulfil, 
And  suffer  all  thy  righteous  will, 

And  to  the  end  endure. 

4  Then,  O  my  God,  my  soul  receive, 
Transported  from  this  vale,  to  live 

And  reign  with  thee  above ; 
Where  faith  is  sweetly  lost  in  sight, 
And  hope  in  full  supreme  delight 

And  everlasting  love. 

Hymn  693.  l.  m. 

The  Last  Day. 

1  FT!  HAT  day  of  wrath,  that  dreadful  day, 

_1_     When  heav'n  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
What  pow'r  shall  be  the  sinner's  stay? 
How  shall  he  meet  that  dreadful  day  ? 

2  When  shriv'lling  like  a  parched  scroll, 
The  flaming  heav'ns  together  roll ; 
When  louder  yet,  and  yet  more  dread, 
Swells  the  high  trump  that  wakes  the  dead : 

3  Lord !  on  that  day,  that  wrathful  day, 
When  man  to  judgment  wakes  from  clay, 
Be  thou  the  trembling  sinner's  stay, 
Though  heav'n  and  earth  shall  pass  away. 

Hymn  694.  c.  m. 

The  Last  Harvest. 
1    f  1 1  HE  angel  comes,  he  comes  to  reap 
JL     The  harvest  of  the  Lord ! 
40 


464  ADDITIONAL  HYMNS. 

O'er  all  the  earth,  with  fatal  sweep, 
Wide  waves  his  flaming  sword. 

2  And  who  are  they,  in  sheaves  to  bide 

The  fire  of  vengeance  bound  ? 
The  tares,  whose  rank  luxuriant  pride 
Chok'd  the  fair  crop  around. 

3  And  who  are  they,  reserv'd  in  store 

God's  treasure-house  to  fill  1 
The  wheat,  a  hundred  fold  that  bore 
Amid  surrounding  ill. 

4  O  King  of  mercy  !  grant  us  pow'r 

The  fiery  wrath  to  flee  ! 
In  thy  destroying  angel's  hour, 
O  gather  us  to  thee  ! 

Hymn  695.  l.  m. 

Preparation  for  Heaven. 

1  TTEAV'N  is  a  place  of  rest  from  sin: 
XX  But  all  who  hope  to  enter  there, 
Must  here  that  holy  course  begin, 

Which  shall  their  souls  for  rest  prepare. 

2  Clean  hearts,  O  God,  in  us  create ; 

Right  spirits,  Lord,  in  us  renew : 
Commence  we  now  that  higher  state, 
Now  do  thy  will  as  angels  do. 

3  In  Jesus'  footsteps  may  we  tread, 

Learn  ev'ry  lesson  of  his  love; 
And  be  from  grace  to  glory  led, 

From  heav'n  below  to  heav'n  above. 

Hymn  696.  p.  m.  8s  &  7s. 

Peace  and  Glory  of  Heaven. 

1  TTEAR  what  God  the  Lord  hath  spoken: 
XX  O  my  people,  faint  and  few, 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  465 

Comfortless,  afflicted,  broken — 

Fair  abodes  I  build  for  you. 
Scenes  of  heartfelt  tribulation 

Shall  no  more  perplex  your  ways : 
You  shall  name  your  walls  salvation, 

And  your  gates  shall  all  be  praise. 

2  There,  like  streams  that  feed  the  garden, 

Pleasures  without  end  shall  flow ; 
For  the  Lord,  your  faith  rewarding, 

All  his  bounty  shall  bestow. 
Still  in  undisturb'd  possession, 

Peace  and  righteousness  shall  reign : 
Never  shall  you  feel  oppression, 

Hear  the  voice  of  war  again. 

3  Ye,  no  more  your  suns  descending, 

Waning  moons  no  more  shall  see ; 
But  your  griefs  for  ever  ending, 

Find  eternal  rest  in  me. 
God  shall  rise,  and  shining  o'er  you, 

Change  to  day  the  gloom  of  night : 
He,  the  Lord,  shall  be  your  glory, 

God  your  everlasting  light. 

Hymn  697.  c.  m. 

The  Heavenly  Jerusalem, 

1  TERUSALEM  !  my  happy  home  ! 
*3    Name  ever  dear  to  me  ! 
When  shall  my  labours  have  an  end 

In  joy,  and  peace,  and  thee? 

2  When  shall  these  eyes  thy  heav'n-built  walls 

And  pearly  gates  behold? 
Thy  bulwarks  with  salvation  strong, 
And  streets  of  shining  gold  ? 

3  There  happier  bow'rs  than  Eden's  bloom, 

Nor  sin  nor  sorrow  know. 


466  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

Bless' d  seats  !  through  rude  and  stormy  scenes 
I  onward  press  to  you. 

4  Why  should  I  shrink  at  pain  and  wo? 

Or  feel  at  death  dismay? 
I've  Canaan's  goodly  land  in  view, 
And  realms  of  endless  day. 

5  Apostles,  prophets,  martyrs  there, 

Around  my  Saviour  stand ; 
And  soon  my  friends  in  Christ  below, 
Will  join  the  glorious  band. 

6  Jerusalem  !  my  happy  home  ! 

My  soul  still  pants  for  thee. 
Then  shall  my  labours  have  an  end, 
When  I  th:;  joyc  shall  see. 

Hymn  698.  p.  m.  % 

Revelation  vii.  9 — 17. 

1  "^T17~HO  are  these  in  bright  array  ? 

1  f  This  innumerable  throng, 
Round  the  altar  night  and  day 

Tuning  their  triumphant  song  ? 
"Worthy  is  the  Lamb,  once  slain, 

Blessing,  honour,  glory,  pow'r, 
Wisdom,  riches  to  obtain, 

New  dominion  ev'ry  hour." 

2  These  through  fiery  trials  trod ; 

These  from  great  affliction  came : 
Now,  before  the  throne  of  God, 

Seal'd  with  his  eternal  name, 
Clad  in  raiment  pure  and  white, 

Victor-palms  in  ev'ry  hand, 
Through  their  great  Redeemer's  might 

More  than  conquerors  they  stand. 

3  Hunger,  thirst,  disease  unknown, 

On  immortal  fruits  they  feed  : 


ADDITIONAL    HYMNS.  467 

Them  the  Lamb  amidst  the  throne 

Shall  to  living  fountains  lead. 
Joy  and  gladness  banish  sighs; 

Perfect  love  dispels  their  fears; 
And  for  ever  from  their  eyes 

God  shall  wipe  away  their  tears. 

Hymn  699.  p.  m.  ss. 

Foretaste  of  Heaven. 

WHAT  must  it  be  to  dwell  above, 
At  God's  right  hand,  where  Jesus  reigns, 
Since  the  sweet  earnest  of  his  love 

0:er whelms  us  on  these  earthly  plains  ! 
No  heart  can  think,  no  tongue  explain, 
What  bliss  it  is  with  Christ  to  reign. 

When  sin  no  more  obstructs  our  sight, 
When  sorrow  pains  our  hearts  no  more, 

How  shall  we  view  the  Prince  of  light, 
And  all  his  works  of  grace  explore  ! 

What  heights  and  depths  of  love  divine 

Will  there  through  endless  ages  shine ! 

This  is  the  heav'n  I  long  to  know  : 
For  this  with  patience  I  would  wait, 

Till,  weand  from  earth  and  all  below, 
I  mount  to  my  celestial  seat, 

And  wave  my  palm,  and  wear  my  crown, 

And  with  the  elders  cast  them  down. 

Hymn  700.  cm. 

Re-union  of  the  Good  in  Heaven. 

LEST  hour,  when  virtuous  friends  shall  meet, 
Their  earthly  sorrows  o'er; 
And  with  celestial  welcome  greet, 
On  an  immortal  shore  ! 
40* 


B 


468  ADDITIONAL    HYMNS. 

2  The  parent  finds  his  long-lost  child ; 

Brothers  on  brothers  gaze  : 
The  tear  of  resignation  mild 
Is  chang'd  to  joy  and  praise. 

3  Each  tender  tie,  dissolv'd  with  pain, 

With  endless  bliss  is  crown' d. 
All  that  was  dead,  revives  again ; 
All  that  was  lost,  is  found. 

4  And  while  remembrance,  ling' ring  still, 

Draws  joy  from  sorrowing  hours ; 
New  prospects  rise,  new  pleasures  fill 
The  soul's  expanding  pow'rs. 

5  Congenial  minds,  array' d  in  light, 

High  thoughts  shall  interchange ; 
Nor  cease,  with  ever-new  delight. 
On  wings  of  love  to  range. 

6  Their  Father  marks  the  gen'rous  flame, 

And  looks  complacent  down  : 
The  smile,  that  owns  their  filial  claim, 
Is  their  immortal  crown. 


A    TABLE 

TO   FIND   ANY    HYMN    BY   THE    FIRST   LINE. 


Paire 

ABSURD  and  vain  attempt !  to  bind  -     239 

A  charge  to  keep  I  have      -  -         -     415 

Again  the  Lord  of  light        -  255 

Again  our  ears  have  heard  the  voice  -         -     441 

Ah  !  see  him  writhe,  and  bleed,  and  die  -     106 

Ah  wretched  souls,  who  strive  in  vain  -         -     198 

Alas  !  and  did  my  Saviour  bleed    -  -         -     106 

Alas  !  what  hourly  dangers  rise  !  -         -     395 

All  earthly  charms,  however  dear  -         -     187 

All-glorious  God  !  what  hymns  of  praise  -       8G 

All-powerful,  self-existent  God  25 

All  praise  to  thee,  my  God  !  this  night  -         -     271 

All-seeing  God  !  'tis  thine  to  know  -         -     238 

Almighty  Father !  gracious  Lord  -         -       19 

Almighty  God,  thy  powerful  word  -         -       27 

Almighty  God,  thy  word  is  cast     -  442 

Almighty  God,  in  humble  prayer  -  389 

Almighty  Lord  of  all  -         -         -  -         -     151 

Amazing,  beauteous  change           -  -         -     130 

Am  I  a  soldier  of  the  cross            -  414 

Amidst  a  world  of  hopes  and  fears  -         -     138 

And  are  we  now  brought  near  to  God  -         -     105 

And  art  thou  with  us,  gracious  Lord  65 

And  is  the  Gospel  peace  and  love  94 

And  must  this  body  die  335 

And  shall  we  still  be  slaves  -  109 

And  will  the  great  eternal  God      -  287 

Angel,  roll  the  rock  away    -         -  -         -     114 

Another  six  days'  work  is  done     -  252 

Are  not  thy  mercies  sov' reign  still  -         -     135 

Arise  my  tend' rest  thoughts,  arise  -         -     161 

As  body,  when  the  soul  has  fled    -  422 


470  TABLE    OF   FIRST   LINES. 

Paga 

As  every  day  thy  mercy  spares    -  444 

As  parch' d  in  barren  sands            -  396 

Assist  us,  Lord,  thy  name  to  praise         -  -     201 

As  various  as  the  moon        -  307 

As  when  the  weary  trav'ller  gains          -  -     458 

At  every  moment,  every  breath    -  453 

Attend,  my  soul,  with  awe    -         -         -  -     175 

Attend,  ye  children  of  your  God             -  -     260 

Author  of  good !  we  rest  on  thee  -         -  -     148 

Author  of  life  and  bliss         -         -         -  97 
A  voice  from  the  desert  comes  awful  and  shrill    362 

Awake  my  drowsy  soul,  awake,    -         -  -     416 

Awake,  my  soul !  and  with  the  sun        -  -     270 

Awake,  my  soul  !  lift  up  thine  eyes        -  -     165 

Awake,  my  soul !  rouse  every  power     -  -     222 

Awake,  my  soul !  stretch  every  nerve  -  -     199 

Awake,  our  souls  !  away  our  fears         -  -     198 

Awake,  ye  saints  !  and  raise  your  eyes  -     326 

Awake,  ye  saints,  to  praise  your  King    -  -     245 

Away  from  every  mortal  care       -         -  -     251 

BEFORE  Jehovah's  awful  throne    -  -         1 

Begin,  my  soul,  th'  exalted  lay  9 

Behold  my  servant,  see  him  rise   -  363 

Bfehold,  O  Israel's  God         -         -         -  -     162 

Behold,  th'  amazing  sight     -         -         -  -     101 

Behold  the  bleeding  Lamb  of  God          -  -     108 

Behold,  the  blind  their  sight  receive  78 

Behold  the  gloomy  vale        -  325 

Behold  !  the  lofty  sky           ...  -     141 

Behold  the  man  !  how  glorious  he  369 

Behold  the  morning  sun        -         -         -  -     140 

Behold  !  the  mountain  of  the  Lord         -  -     376 

Behold  the  path  which  mortals  tread      -  320 

Behold  the  Prince  of  Peace  82 

Behold  the  Saviour  on  the  cross    -  369 

Behold  the  Saviour  of  mankind     -         -  -     105 


TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES.  471 

Page 

Behold,  where,  breathing  love       -         -  -     236 

Behold,  where  in  a  mortal  form  94 

Beset  with  snares  on  every  hand  -         -  -     156 

Be  still,  my  heart !  these  anxious  cares  -  -     434 

Bless' d  be  th' eternal  God     -         -         -  -     117 

Blessed  state,  and  happy  he           -  385 

Blest  are  the  humble  souls,  who  see       -  -     196 

Blest  are  the  undefil'd  in  heart      -         -  -     195 

Blest  be  the  tie,  that  binds    -  240 

Blest  hour  when  virtuous  friends  shall  meet  -     467 

Blest  Instructor  !  from  thy  ways   -         -  -     171 

Blest  is  the  man,  whose  heart  expands   -  -     237 

Blest  is  the  man,  whose  heart  is  kind      -  -     232 

Blest  is  the  mem' ry  of  the  just      -  423 

Blow  ye  the  trumpet,  blow  -  399 

Bright  Source  of  everlasting  love           -  -     234 

By  various  maxims,  forms,  and  rules      -  -     203 

CHILDREN,  in  years  and  knowledge  young  302 

Children  of  the  heav'nly  King       -  -     425 

Christ,  the  Lord,  is  ris'n  to-day      -         -  -     113 

Clay  to  clay,  and  dust  to  dust        -  460 

Come,  blessed  Spirit,  source  of  light       -  -     383 

Come,  gracious  Spirit,  heavenly  dove     -  -     131 

Come  hither,  all  ye  weary  souls  90 

Come,  holy  Spirit,  heav'nly  Dove  -         -  -     132 

Come,  let  our  mournful  songs  record      -  99 

Come,  let  our  voices  join  to  raise  -  246 

Come  let  us  join  our  cheerful  songs         -  -     103 

Come,  let  us  join  our  souls  to  God          -  -     261 

Come,  let  us  lift  our  voices  high     -  101 

Come,  let  us  search  our  ways  and  try    -  -     230 

Come,  Lord,  and  warm  each  languid  heart  -     346 

Come,  said  Jesus'  sacred  voice       -         -  -       89 

Come,  sound  his  praise  abroad  8 

Come,  thou  fount  of  every  blessing           -  -     428 

Come  to  the  house  of  prayer         -  439 


472  TABLE    OF   FIRST   LINES. 

Come,  weary  souls,  with  sin  distrest       -  -  91 

Come,  ye  disconsolate,  where'er  you      -  -  431 

Come,  ye  that  love  the  Lord          -         -  -  179 

Consider  all  my  sorrows,  Lord      -         -  -  291 

Courage  my  soul !  while  God  is  near     -  -  221 

DAUGHTERS  of  pity,  tune  the  lay 
Diseases  are  thy  servants,  Lord   - 
Do  flesh  and  nature  dread  to  die  ? 
Dost  thou  my  worthless  name  record    - 

EARLY,  my  God,  without  delay     -  -  251 

Eat,  drink,  in  mem'ry  of  your  friend  -  262 

Enough  of  life's  vain  scenes  I've  trod    -  -  411 

Eternal  and  immortal  King  -         -         -  -  211 

Eternal  God,  almighty  cause         ...  209 

Eternal  God !  how  frail  is  man      ...  332 

Eternal  Power  !  whose  high  abode         -  -  353 

Eternal  Sire,  enthron'd  on  high     -  305 

Eternal  Source  of  ev'ry  joy          -         -  -  48 

Eternal  Spirit,  Source  of  light       -         -  -  136 

Exert  thy  pow'r,  thy  rights  maintain      -  -  379 

FAITH  adds  new  charms  to  earthly  bliss  202 

Far  from  these  scenes  of  night     -  -  343 

Far  from  the  world,  O  Lord  !  I  flee        -  -  431 

Far  from  thy  fold,  O  Lord,  my  feet       -  -  406 

Far  hence  each  superstition  vain  -  144 

"  Father  divine,"  the  Saviour  cried  96 

Father,  I  bless  thy  gentle  hand     -         -  -  309 

Father  of  all !  eternal  mind  -         -         -  -  147 

Father  of  all !  my  soul  defend        -  333 

Father  of  all !  whose  cares  extend          -  -  150 

Father  of  all,  whose  so v' reign  will         -  -  437 

Father  of  eternal  grace        -         -         -  -  416 

Father  of  Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord   -         -  -  116 

Father  of  lights !  we  sing  thy  name       -  -  357 

Father  of  men  !  thy  care  we  bless         -  -  242 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES.  473 

Page 

Father  of  mercies  !  bow  thine  ear           -  -     451 

Father  of  mercies,  God  oflove      -  151 

Father  of  mercies,  in  thy  word      -  143 

Father  of  our  feeble  race     -  233 

Father!  thy  paternal  care    -  359 

Firm  was  my  health,  my  day  was  bright  -     295 

For  ever  blessed  be  the  Lord        -         -  -     1 35 

Forgive,  Lord,  for  thy  mercy's  sake      -  -     404 

Forsake,  my  soul  !  the  tents  of  sin          -  -     182 

Forth  from  the  dark  and  stormy  sky      -  -     403 

Frequent  the  day  of  God  returns  -  254 

From  all  that  dwell  below  the  skies  4 

From  ev'ry  stormy  wind  that  blows        -  -     430 

From  ev'ry  thought  and  wish  impure     -  -     394 

From  Greenland's  icy  mountains             -  -     377 

From  north  and  south,  from  east  and  west  -     345 

From  this  world's  joys  and  senseless  mirth  -     349 

GIVE  me  the  wings  of  faith,  to  rise  -  -     373 

Give  thanks  to  God  most  high  76 

Give  to  our  God  immortal  praise  4 

Give  to  the  Lord,  ye  sons  of  fame  26 

Give  to  the  winds  thy  fears  60 

Glorious  things  of  thee  are  spoken         -  -     381 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high      ...  -         7 

Glory  be  to  God  on  high      -         -         -  -       11 

Glory  to  God,  who  reigns  above   -  364 

God,  in  the  gospel  of  his  Son         -         -  -     146 

God  is  a  Spirit,  just  and  wise  33 

God  is  the  refuge  of  his  saints  59 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way  57 

God,  my  supporter  and  my  hope  -         -  -     154 

God  of  eternity  !  from  thee  -         -         -  -     321 

God  of  mercy!  God  of  grace        -         -  -     171 

God  of  my  life,  through  all  its  days        -  -     216 

God  of  my  mercy,  and  my  praise  96 

God  of  our  lives  !  thy  constant  care       -  -     275 


474  TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

God  of  the  morning,  at  whose  voice       -  -  444 

God  reigns  ;  events  in  order  flow  -  362 

God,  to  correct  the  world     -  279 

God,  who  is  just  and  kind     -         -         -  -  136 

Go  to  dark  Gethsemane        -         -         -  -  373 

Grace,  'tis  a  charming  sound  43 

Greatest  of  beings,  source  of  life  55 

Great  Father  of  mankind     -  248 

Great  Framer  of  unnumber'd  worlds      -  -  282 

Great  God,  arise,  and  shine            -         -  -128 

Great  God,  at  whose  all-pow'rful  call     -  -  51 

Great  God,  how  infinite  art  thou   -         -  24 

Great  God,  indulge  my  humble  claim     -  -  154 

Great  God,  in  vain  man's  narrow  view  22 

Great  God  of  wonders,  all  thy  ways      -  -  356 

Great  God  !  our  joyful  thanks  to  thee    -  -  216 

Great  God  !  the  nations  of  the  earth       -  -  127 

Great  God  !  thy  peerless  excellence       -  -  210 

Great  God  !  we  sing  that  mighty  hand  -  -  274 

Great  God !  what  do  I  see  and  hear       -  -  461 

Great  God,  whilst  I  thy  love  admire      -  -  235 

Great  God  !  whose  all-pervading  eye     -  -  192 

Great  God  !  whose  universal  sway         -  -  127 

Great  Lord  of  angels  !  we  adore  -  289 

Great  Ruler  of  all  nature's  frame  -         -  -  313 

Great  Ruler  of  the  earth  and  skies         -  -  59 

Great  Source  of  life,  our  souls  confess   -  -  17 

Great  was  the  day,  the  joy  was  great    -  -  124 

Guide  me,  O  thou  great  Jehovah           -  -  392 

HAD  I  the  tongues  of  Greeks  and  Jews  -  193 

Had  not  the  Lord,  may  Israel  say  -  285 

Hail,  great  Creator,  wise  and  good  46 

Hail,  happy  morn !  whose  early  ray       -  -  256 

Hail  to  the  heavenly  pow'r  which  broke  -  370 

Hail  to  the  Lord's  anointed  -  365 

Happiness !  thou  lovely  name        -        -  -  390 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES.  475 

PtlffO 

Happv  is  he,  whoso  early  years    -          -  -     303 

Happv  the  heart,  where  graces  reign     -  -     214 

Happy  the  man,  whose  wishes  climb      -  -     207 

Happy  the  man,  whose  cautious  steps     -  -     436 

Happy  the  men,  whom  strength  divine  -  -     246 
Hark  !  a  yoice  divides  the  sky       ...     460 

Hark  !  from  on  high  a  solemn  voice       -  -     329 

Hark  !  from  the  tombs  a  doleful  sound   -  -     316 

Hark,  the  glad  sound,  the  Saviour  comes  -       69 

Hark!  the  song  of  Jubilee     -  380 

Hark  !  the  voice  of  love  and  mercy        -  -     102 

Hark  !  ;tis  our  heavenly  Leader's  voice  -     110 

Hark  !  what  celestial  notes  71 

Hark  !  what  mean  those  holy  voices      -  -     363 

Hasten,  sinner,  to  be  wise     -  398 

Hear  what  God  the  Lord  hath  spoken   -  -     464 

Heaven  is  a  place  of  rest  from  sin          -  -     464 

Heaven  has  confirm' d  the  great  decree  -     335 

He  dies,  the  Friend  of  sinners  dies          -  112 

Heirs  of  unending  life            -         -         -  385 

Here,  in  a  world  of  doubts   -  389 

High  in  the  heavens,  eternal  God            -  -       11 

High  let  us  swell  our  tuneful  notes  72 

Holy  and  rev' rend  is  the  name  32 

Holy  Ghost  !  dispel  our  sadness     -  383 

Holy,  holy,  holy  Lord           ...  -         8 

Hosannah  !  let  us  join  to  sing         -         -  -     117 

Hosannah  to  the  Son             -         -         -  -     104 

Hosannah  with  a  cheerful  sound  -  268 

How  are  thy  servants  blest.  O  Lord  67 

How  beauteous  are  their  feet  81 
How  bless' d  the  man,  how  more  than  bless' d        186 

How  bless"  d  the  righteous,  when  he  dies  -     456 

How  bless1  d  the  sacred  tie,  that  binds     -  -     241 

How  did  my  heart  rejoice,  to  hear         -  -     244 
How  firm  a  foundation,  ye  saints  of  the  Lord       424 

How  gracious  and  how  wise          -         -  -     308 
41 


476  TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Paga 

How  happy  is  the  man,  who  hears         -  -  188 

How  long  shall  death,  the  tyrant,  reign  -  332 

How  long  shall  dreams  of  creature  bliss  -  160 

How  oft,  alas  !  this  wretched  heart         -  -  402 

How  precious  is  the  book  divine    -         -  -  145 

How  rich  are  thy  provisions,  Lord         -  -  265 

How  rich  thy  gifts,  Almighty  King         -  -  277 

How  shall  the  young  secure  their  hearts  -  387 

How  still  and  peaceful  is  the  grave         -  -  325 

How  sweetly  flow'd  the  gospel  sound     -  -  366 

How  swift  the  torrent  rolls  -         -         -  -  319 

How  various  and  how  new  -         -         -  -  177 

How  vast  is  the  tribute  I  owe        -  294 

How  well  our  great  Preserver  knows     -  -  310 
How  wond'rous  and  great  thy  works,  God  of  praise  352 

I  CANNOT  shun  the  stroke  of  death  -  457 

I  love  the  Lord ;  he  heard  my  cries  -  -  295 

I  love  the  volumes  of  thy  word     -         -  -  141 

I  love  thy  Zion,  Lord 245 

I  want  a  principle  within      -         -         -  -  190 

I  would  not  live  alway :  I  ask  not  to  stay  -  455 

If  all  our  hopes  and  all  our  fears  -  412 

If  high  or  low  our  station  be  229 

If  solid  happiness  we  prize   -  225 

I'll  praise  my  Maker,  whilst  I've  breath  -  5 

Immortal  God  !  on  thee  we  call  77 

Imposture  shrinks  from  light          -         -  -  221 

Indulgent  Father !  how  divine       -         -  -  10 

Indulgent  God  !  whose  bounteous  care  -  -  272 

Indulgent  God,  with  pitying  eye    -         -  -  162 

In  glad  amazement,  Lord,  I  stand          -  -  17 

In  raptures  let  our  hearts  ascend   -         -  -  119 

In  sleep's  serene  oblivion  laid         -  269 

In  sweet  exalted  strains        -  287 

Interval  of  grateful  shade     -  273 

In  the  soft  season  of  thy  youth      -        -  -  452 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES.  477 

In  vain  my  roving  thoughts  would  find  -  -     157 

In  vain  opposing  nations  rage         -  277 

In  vain  wouJd  boasting  reason  find          -  -     204 

Is  there  on  earth  a  nobler  name    -  367 

JERUSALEM,  my  happy  home        -  -     465 

Jesus  !  and  shall  it  ever  be     -         -  -     205 

Jesus  !  I  my  cross  have  taken        -         -  -     413 

Jesus  invites  his  saints          ...  -     263 

Jesus  is  gone  above  the  skies         -  264 

Jesus,  our  triumphant  head  -         -         -  -     120 

Jesus  shall  reign,  where'er  the  sun         -  -     126 

Jesus,  when  faith  with  fixed  eyes  -  371 

Join  all  the  glorious  names  83 

Joy  to  the  world,  the  Lord  is  come  73 

LADEN  with  guilt,  and  full  of  fears  -     145 

Let  all  the  heathen  writers  join     -  -     142 

Let  av'rice,  borne  from  shore  to  shore   -  -     143 

Let  coward  guilt,  with  pallid  fear  68 

Let  ev'ry  ear  attend 90 

Let  ev'ry  tongue  thy  goodness  speak  48 

Let  others  boast  how  strong  they  be  63 

Let  others  boast  their  ancient  line          -  -     410 
Let  party  names  no  more               ...     239 

Let  Pharisees  of  high  esteem         -         -  -     231 

Let  sorrow,  Lord,  my  bosom  fill   -         -  -     200 

Let  the  high  heavens  your  songs  invite  -       47 

Let  the  whole  race  of  creatures  lie  52 

Let  Zion's  watchmen  all  awake              -  -     450 

Life  is  a  span,  a  fleeting  hour        -  299 

Like  shadows  gliding  o'er  the  plain        -  -     454 

Lo  !  he  comes,  from  heav'n  descending  -     123 

Lo  !  he  cometh  !  countless  trumpets        -  -     339 

Lo !  what  a  pleasing  sight             -  243 

Long  as  I  live,  I'll  bless  thy  name          -  -       12 

Lord,  all  I  am  is  known  to  thee  29 

Lord,  dismiss  us  with  thy  blessing          -  -    257 


478  TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Lord,  dost  thou  show  a  corner-stone       -  -  204 

Lord,  for  ever  at  thy  side              -  422 

Lord  God  of  armies,  who  can  boast        -  -  353 

Lord,  in  this  vale  of  tears     -  315 

Lord  of  hosts,  to  thee  we  raise      -  448 

Lord  of  my  life  !  O  may  thy  praise         -  -  268 

Lord  of  the  harvest,  God  of  grace          -  -  387 

Lord  of  the  sabbath  !  hear  our  vows       -  -  253 

Lord  of  the  sea  !  thy  potent  sway          -  -  359 

Lord  of  the  worlds  above              -  247 

Lord,  should  we  leave  thy  hallow' d  feet  -  367 

Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray  aright         -  -  401 

Lord,  thou  hast  search' d  and  seen  me  through  28 

Lord,  thou  wilt  hear  me  when  I  pray  -  273 

Lord  !  'tis  a  pleasant  thing  to  stand         -  -  249 

Lord !  we  adore  thy  wondrous  name      -  -  324 

Lord!  we  have  wander' d  from  thy  way  -  174 

Lord,  what  is  man  1     Extremes  how  wide  -  357 

Lord  !  what  our  ears  have  heard            -  -  259 

Lord,  when  iniquities  abound         -         -  166 

Lord,  when  our  raptur'd  thought  surveys  -  3 

Lord,  with  glowing  heart,  I'd  praise  thee  -  405 

Love  divine,  all  love  excelling      -  427 

MAKER,  and  Sov'reign  Lord          -  -  125 

Man  has  a  soul  of  vast  desires     -  -  158 

Mark  the  soft  falling  snow             -         -  -  133 

Mark  !  when  tempestuous  winds  arise     -  -  224 

May  the  grace  of  Christ,  our  Saviour     -  -  442 

Mighty  God !  another  day              -  446 

Mistaken  souls,  that  dream  of  heav'n     -  -  208 

Must  friends  and  kindred  droop  and  die  -  298 

My  dear  Redeemer,  and  my  Lord  93 

My  Father !  cheering  name           -  217 

My  God  !  and  is  thy  table  spread           -  -  266 

My  God,  how  endless  is  thy  love            -  -  267 

My  God,  I  thank  thee  !  may  no  thought  -  435 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES.  479 

Page 

My  God,  my  everlasting  hope       -         -  -     305 

My  God,  my  hope!  if  thou  art  mine       -  -     314 

My  God,  my  life,  thy  various  praise  2 

My  God,  my  portion,  and  my  love         -  -     153 

My  God,  my  strength,  my  hope              -  -     419 

My  God,  permit  me  not  to  be        -         -  -     228 

My  God,  the  steps  of  pious  men     -         -  -     408 

My  God,  the  visits  of  thy  face       -         -  -     156 

My  God,  thy  boundless  love  I  praise  38 

My  God,  what  blessings  round  me  shone  -       20 

My  God,  whose  all-pervading  eye          -  -     312 

My  gracious  God,  accept  my  pray'r       -  -     225 

My  gracious  God,  I  own  thy  right          -  -     417 

My  heart  and  ways,  O  God  29 

My  hope,  my  portion,  and  my  God         -  -     134 

My  Maker,  and  my  King  15 

My  soul,  before  thy  Maker  bow    -         -  -     210 

My  soul,  praise  the  Lord      -         -         -  14 

My  soul,  repeat  his  praise  41 

My  soul,  the  awful  hour  will  come         -  -     293 

My  soul,  with  patience  wait           -  405 

My  spirit  looks  to  God  alone         -  434 

My  waken' d  soul,  extend  thy  wings        -  -     336 

NAKED  as  from  the  earth  we  came  -     310 

No,  I'll  repine  at  death  no  more  -     334 

Nor  eye  hath  seen,  nor  ear  hath  heard  -     342 

Not  all  the  nobles  of  the  earth      -         -  -     182 

Not  by  the  terrors  of  a  slave        -         -  -     418 

Not  from  relentless  fate's  dark  womb  61 

Not  to  the  terrors  of  the  Lord        -  345 

Now  begin  the  heav'nly  theme  88 

Now  be  that  sacrifice  survey'd      -         -  -     109 

Now  I  have  found  the  ground  wherein  87 

Now,  in  the  heat  of  youthful  blood         -  -     303 

Now,  in  the  hour  of  deep  distress            -  -       98 

Now  let  a  true  ambition  rise          -  347 
41* 


480  TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Now  let  my  soul  with  transport  rise 

Now  let  our  drooping  hearts  revive 

Now  let  our  songs  address  the  God  of  peace  - 

Now  let  our  voices  join         - 

Now  let  us  raise  our  cheerful  strains      - 

Now  may  he,  who  from  the  dead 

Now  may  the  God  of  grace  and  pow'r  - 

Now  to  the  Lord  a  noble  song      - 

O  BLESSED  souls  are  they    -         -  -  176 

O  bless  the  Lord,  my  soul    -         -  -  16 

O  bow  thine  ear,  Eternal  One       -         -  -  449 

O  come,  behold  a  scene  of  dread  -         -  -  280 

O  draw  me,  Father !  after  thee      -         -  -  392 

Of  justice  and  of  truth  1  sing          -         -  -  242 

Oft  have  I  turn'd  mine  eye  within           -  -  227 

O  from  the  world's  vile  slavery     ...  428 

O  God,  accept  the  sacred  hour       -         -  -  443 

O  God,  how  free  thy  mercies  flow          -  -  355 

O  God,  mine  inmost  soul  convert    -         -  -  462 

O  God,  my  Saviour  and  my  King  -         -  .  231 

O  God  of  Jacob,  by  whose  hand    -         -  -  149 

O  happiness,  thou  pleasing  dream            -  -  185 

O  happy  day,  that  stays  my  choice         -  -  419 

O  happy  soul  that  lives  on  high      -         -  -  183 

O  hear  me,  Lord  !  on  thee  I  call   -         -  -  301 

Oh,  help  us,  Lord,  each  hour  of  need      -  -  394 

O  !  how  my  fears  the  dangers  move         -  -  164 

O  Lord  !  my  best  desires  fulfil        -         -  -  218 

O  Lord,  our  fathers  oft  have  told  -         -  -  281 

O  Lord,  our  heavenly  King            -         -  -  18 

One  there  is,  above  all  others  88 

On  Judah's  plains  as  shepherds  sat         -  -  71 

On  wings  of  faith,  mount  up,  my  soul,  and  rise  344 

Oppress' d  with  guilt,  or  grief;  or  care     -  -  169 

Oh,  praise  ye  the  Lord,  his  greatness  proclaim  352 

Oh,  praise  ye  the  Lord !  prepare  a  new  song  5 


TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES.  481 

Page 

O  Spirit  of  the  living  God      -         -         -  -  378 

O  that  the  Lord  would  guide  my  ways  -  -  139 

O  the  delights,  the  heavenly  joys  -         •  -  123 

O  thou,  before  whose  gracious  throne     -  -  290 

Oh,  thou,  by  long  experience  tried          -  -  354 

O  thou,  from  whom  all  goodness  flows    -  -  393 

O  thou  that  hear' st  when  sinners  cry      -  -  168 

O  thou,  the  wretched' s  sure  retreat         •  -  41 

O  thou,  to  whose  all-searching  sight       -  -  155 

O  thou,  who  art  above  all  heights           -  -  449 

O  thou  who  hast  at  thy  command           -  -  421 

O  thou,  whose  scales  the  mountains  weigh  -  223 

O  thou,  whose  tender  mercy  hears         -  -  172 

O  'tis  a  lovely  thing  to  see             -  223 

O  turn,  great  Ruler  of  the  skies     -         •  -  174    ^   •«» 

Our  country  is  Immanuel's  ground          -  -  199*  k\t*^ 

Our  Father,  thron'd  above  the  sky         -  -  213 

Our  God  !  our  help  in  ages  past     -         -  -  323 

Our  souls  with  pleasing  wonder  view      -  -  40 

O  what  stupendous  mercy  shines   -         -  -  234 

O  where  shall  rest  be  found            -         -  -  461 

O  Zion,  tune  thy  voice           -         -         -  -  129 

PARENT  of  all,  omnipotent  -  240 

Parent  of  good  !  thy  works  of  might  -  215 

Peace,  all  ye  sorrows  of  the  heart          -  -  119 

Peace,  my  complaining  heart         -         -  -  292 

Peace  !  the  welcome  sound  proclaim       -  -  286 

People  of  the  living  God       ...  -  402 

Perpetual  source  of  light  and  grace        -  -  170 

Pity  the  nations,  O  our  God           ...  267 

Praise,  everlasting  praise,  be  paid          -  -  421 

Praise,  happy  land !  Jehovah's  name      -  -  276 

Praise  to  God,  immortal  praise      -  306 

Praise  to  God,  the  great  Creator  -  252 

Praise  to  the  Lord  of  boundless  might  -  -  137 

Praise  to  the  Lord,  who  bows  his  ear    -  -  284 


*«s 


482  TABLE  OF  FIRST  LINES. 

Papo 

Praise  ye  the  Lord !  'tis  good  to  raise  33 

Praise  ye  the  Lord  !  who  reigns  above  74 

" Proclaim,"  said  Christ,  "God's  wondrous  grace  258 

Providence,  profusely  kind    -  308 

QUIET,  Lord,  my  froward  heart           -  -  432 

RAISE,  thoughtless  sinner,  raise  thine  eye  167 

Raise  your  triumphant  songs        -  -  70 

Rejoice,  the  Lord  is  King     -         -         -  -  122 

Rejoice,  ye  shining  worlds  on  high         -  -  118 

Remark,  my  soul !  the  narrow  bounds   -  -  275 

Return,  my  roving  heart,  return    -  229 

Return,  my  soul,  unto  thy  rest       -         -  -  401 

Rise,  my  soul,  and  stretch  thy  wings      -  -  424 

AFELY  though  another  week          -  -  439 

Salvation,  O  the  joyful  sound  86 

Searcher  of  hearts  !  to  thee           -         -  -  173 

Seacher  of  hearts  !  to  thee  are  known   -  -  354 

See  how  he  lov'd  !  exclaim' d  the  Jews  -  -  368 

See  Israel's  gentle  Shepherd  stand          -  -  259 

See  the  vineyard  thou  hast  planted         -  -  451 

See  what  a  living  stone  .                -         -  -  115 

Shall  I  forsake  that  heav'nly  friend        -  -  205 

Shew  pity,  Lord  !  O  Lord,  forgive         -  -  167 

Shine  on  our  souls,  eternal  God  66 

Should  famine  o'er  the  mourning  field    -  -  314 

Sing  to  the  Lord,  who  loud  proclaims     -  -  207 

Sing,  ye  redeemed  of  the  Lord       ...  407 

Sinner,  art  thou  still  secure  -  397 

Sinners!  the  voice  of  God  regard  -         -  -  159 

Sleep,  sleep  to-day,  tormenting  cares      -  -  441 

So  let  our  lips  and  lives  express     -         -  -  189 

Sometimes  a  light  surprises  -         -         -  -  433 

Songs  of  immortal  praise  belong   -         -  31 

Songs  of  praise  the  angels  sang      -         -  -  351 

Sons  of  Adam  join  to  raise  75 


TABLE   OF  FIRST  LINES.  483 

Sov' reign  of  life,  I  own  thy  hand  -        -  -  296 

Sov' reign  Ruler  of  the  skies           -         -  -  360 

Spirit  of  truth,  on  this  thy  day        -         -  -  381 

Spring  up,  my  soul,  with  ardent  flight     •  -  340 

Stand  still,  refulgent  orb  of  day      -         -  -  447 

Supreme  and  universal  light  -         -         -  -  192 

Sure  the  blest  Comforter  is  nigh     -         -  -  138 

Sure  there's  a  righteous  God  62 

Sweet  is  the  friendly  voice  which  speaks  -  175 

Sweet  is  the  mem'ry  of  thy  grace  39 

Sweet  is  the  work,  my  God,  my  King     -  -  254 

Sweet  peace  of  conscience,  heav:nly  guest  -  404 

Teach  me,  my  God  and  King         ...  429 

Teach  me,  O  teach  me,  Lord,  thy  way  -  139 

Teach  me  the  measure  of  my  days         -  -  317 

Thanks  for  mercies  past  receive     -         -  -  257 

That  awful  hour  will  soon  appear  -         -  -  319 

That  day  of  wrath,  that  day  of  dread      -  -  463 

The  angel  comes,  he  comes  to  reap         -  -  463 

The  darken'd  sky,  how  thick  it  low'rs    -  -  311 

The  day  approaches,  0  my  soul     -         -  -  337 

The  day  is  far  spent,  the  ev'ning  is  nigh  -  453 

The  day  is  passd  and  gone  -  445 

The  evils  that  beset  our  path          -         -  -  312 

Th'  eternal  Sov' reign  from  on  high         -  »  78 

Thee  we  adore,  eternal  name         -         -  -  318 

The  glorious  universe  around         -         -  -  438 

The  God  of  glory  walks  his  round          -  -  454 

The  God  of  glory  sends  his  summons  forth  -  337 

The  God  of  love  will  sure  indulge           -  -  297 

The  God,  who  once  to  Israel  spoke         -  -  1 1 1 

The  heart,  dejected,  sighs  to  know          -  -  35 

The  hour  of  my  departure's  come           -  -  330 

The  King  of  heaven  his  table  spreads    -  -  92 

The  Lord,  how  fearful  is  his  name          -  -  53 

The  Lord,  how  kind  are  all  his  ways     -  -  173 


484  TABLE    OF   FIRST    LINES. 

Page 

The  Lord,  how  tender  is  his  love  -         -  -  361 

The  Lord  into  his  vineyard  comes          -  -  166 

The  Lord  in  Zion  plac'd  his  name          -  -  248 

The  Lord  my  pasture  shall  prepare  66 

The  Lord  my  Shepherd  is    -         -         -  -  358 

The  Lord  of  glory  reigns  supremely  great  -  54 

The  Lord  of  life  with  glory  crown' d      -  -  121 

The  Lord  the  Judge,  his  churches  warns  -  338 

The  Lord  will  come  !  the  earth  shall  quake  -  376 

The  man  is  ever  blest           -         -         -  -  163 

The  man,  whose  firm  and  equal  mind     -  -  227 

The  mighty  deep  gives  up  her  trust       -  -  340 

The  morning  dawns  upon  the  place        -  -  372 

The  morning  flow'rs  display  their  sweets  -  323 

The  promises  I  sing     -----  36 

The  promise  of  my  Father's  love           -  -  266 

There  is  a  glorious  world  on  high           -  -  186 

There  is  a  God,  all  nature  speaks           -  -  45 

There  is  a  land  of  pure  delight     -         -  -  348 

The  righteous  Lord,  supremely  great    -  -  426 

The  rising  morn,  the  closing  day  -         -  -  50 

The  Saviour  calls;  let  ev'ry  ear  -         -  -  92 

The  Saviour,  ere  he  breath' d         -         -  -  382 

The  Saviour,  what  a  noble  flame  -         -  -  100 

The  Son  of  God  goes  forth  to  war         -  -  374 

The  spacious  firmament  on  high  44 

The  Spirit,  in  our  hearts,      -  399 

The  swift-declining  day        -         -         -  -  321 

The  time  draws  near,  when  thou,  my  soul  -  462 

The  trav'ller  lost  in  night     -         -         -  -  178 

They,  that  have  made  their  refuge  God  -  164 

They,  who  on  the  Lord  rely          -         -  -  446 

Thine  influence,  Lord !  is  felt        -         -  -  132 

This  child  we  dedicate  to  thee       -         -  -  443 

This  feast  was  Jesus'  high  behest           -  -  262 

This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made       -  -  255 

Those  happy  realms  of  joy  and  peace  -  -  348 


TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES.  485 

P»Se 

Thou  art  my  portion.  O  my  God  -  194 

Though  nature's  voice  you  must  obey    -  -  301 

Thou  hidden  love  of  God,  whose  height  -  214 

Thou,  Lord,  by  mortal  eyes  unseen       -  80 

Thou,  Lord,  through  every  changing  scene  -  316 
Thou  pow'r  supreme,  by  whose  command  we  live     ]  5 

Thou  suit' st,  O  Lord,  thy  righteous  ways  -  35 

Thrice  happy  souls,  who,  born  of  heav'n  -  211 

Through  all  the  changing  scenes  of  life  -  409 

Through  all  the  various  shifting  scene    -  -  56 

Through  shades  and  solitudes  profound  -  -  411 

Th'  uplifted  eye  and  bended  knee           -  -  193 

Thus  far  on  life's  perplexing  path           -  -  391 

Thus  far  the  Lord  has  led  me  on  -         -  -  272 

Thus  God  th'  eternal  Father,  spake       -  -  126 

Thus  shalt  thou  love  th'  almighty  Lord  -  427 

Thus  spake  the  Saviour,  when  he  sent   -  -  289 

Thy  ceaseless,  unexhausted  love  37 

Thy  gracious  favour,  Lord !  display      -  -  284 

Thy  presence,  everlasting  God      -  257 

'Tis  by  the  faith  of  joys  to  come  -  202 

'Tisfinish'd!  so  the  Saviour  cried          -  -  103 

To  calm  the  sorrows  of  the  mind  61 

Together  let  us  plead            ...  -  400 

To  God,  of  every  good  the  spring,         -  -  366 

To  God,  the  only  wise          -         -         -  -  134 

To  heaven,  my  longing  soul !  aspire      -  -  342 

To  keep  the  lamp  alive,        -  384 

To-morrow,  Lord  is  thine     -  322 

To  thee,  let  my  first  off' rings  rise           -  -  270 

To  thee,  my  God  !  my  days  are  known  -  30 

To  thee,  O  God  !  my  prayer  ascends    -  -  152 

To  thee,  O  God  !  we  homage  pay  80 

To  those  who  fear  and  trust  the  Lord  75 

To  your  Creator  God  6 

Triumphant,  Lord !  thy  goodness  reigns1  -  38 

Twas  by  an  order  from  the  Lord          -  -  147 


486  TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES. 

Paffe 

'Twas  for  our  sake,  eternal  God  99 

'Twas  God  who  hurl'd  the  rolling  spheres  -  27 

'Twas  on  that  dreadful,  doleful  night      -  -  261 

UNGRATEFUL  mortal,  whence  this  scorn  397 

Unite,  my  roving  thoughts,  unite  -  -  408 

Unveil  thy  bosom,  faithful  tomb     -  459 

Up  to  the  Lord  who  reigns  on  high  42 

Upward  I  lift  mine  eyes  63 

YAST  are  thy  works  almighty  Lord  •  58 

Vital  spark  of  heavenly  flame       -  -  331 

WEAK  and  irresolute  is  man          -  -  395 

Weary  of  these  low  scenes  of  night     -  313 

We  feel  thine  awful  chast'ning  rod         -  -  280 

Welcome,  sweet  day  of  rest          -  440 

Welcome,  the  hope  of  Israel's  race  74 

We  praise  the  Lord  for  heavenly  bread  -  265 

We  sing  th'  almighty  pow'r  of  God  46 

We  sing  the  wise,  the  gracious  plan  85 

What  cheering  words  are  these     -         -  -  413 

What  eyes  like  thine,  eternal  Sire  34 

What  glory  gilds  the  sacred  page           -  -  145 

What  mean  these  jealousies  and  fears    -  -  206 

What  must  it  be  to  dwell  above     -  467 

What  sinners  value,  I  resign         -         -  -  334 

What  strange  perplexities  arise      -         -  -  1 90 

What  various  hindrances  we  meet          -  -  430 

What  works  of  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  love  -  79 

When  Abra'm  full  of  sacred  awe           -  -  283 

When  all  the  pow'  rs  of  nature  fail          -  -  328 

When  all  thy  mercies,  O  my  God  20 

When  before  thy  throne  we  kneel          -  -  441 

When  blooming  youth  is  snatch' d  away  -  299 

When  darkness  long  has  veil'd  my  mind  -  206 

When  death  appears  before  my  sight      -  -  327 

When  gloomy  thoughts  and  fears           -  -185 


TABLE    OF    FIRST    LINES.  487 

Page 

When  God  reveal' d  his  gracious  name  -  -  176 

When  I  can  read  my  title  clear     -  181 

When  Israel  through  the  desert  passed  -  386 

When  in  the  light  of  faith  divine  -  158 

When  I  with  curious  eyes  survey  31 

When  Jesus  dwelt  in  mortal  clay  95 

When  life's  tempestuous  storms  are  o'er  -  329 

When  Lord,  to  this  our  western  land      -  -  379 

When  o'er  the  trodden  paths  of  life         -  -  297 

When  overwhelmed  with  grief       -  220 

When  .present  suff  rings  pain  my  heart  -  -  218 

When  rising  from  the  bed  of  death         -  -  169 

Wherefore  should  man,  frail  child  of  clay  -  226 

Where  high  the  heav'nly  temple  stands  -  -  121 

Wherewith  shall  I  approach  the  Lord     -  -  249 

While  beauty  clothes  the  fertile  vale       -  -  50 

While  some  in  folly's  pleasures  roll        -  -  184 

While  sounds  of  war  are  heard  around  -  -  278 

While  thee  I  seek,  protecting  Power       -  -  212 

While  to  the  grave  our  friends  are  borne  -  327 

While,  with  ceaseless  course,  the  sun      -  -  447 

Whilst  sinners,  who  presume  to  bear       -  -  195 

Who  are  these  in  bright  array       -  466 

Who,  gracious  Father !  can  complain    -  -  56 

Who  is  this  that  comes  from  Edom         -  -  371 

Whom  have  we,  Lord,  in  heaven  but  thee  -  388 

Who  shall  against  the  Lord  prevail         -  -  161 

Who  shall  ascend  thy  heavenly  place    -  -  191 

Why  is  my  heart  with  grief  opprest       -  -  220 

Why  mournest  thou,  my  anxious  soul     -  -  436 

Why  should  this  world  delight  us  so       -  -  341 

Why  sinks  my  weak,  desponding  mind  •  -  219 

Why  thus  impatient  to  be  gone      -         -  -  456 

Why  will  ye  lavish  out  your  years         -  159 

With  ecstacy  of  joy 84 

With  eye  impartial,  heav'ns  high  King   -  -  34 

With  humble  heart  and  tongue       -         -  •  304 
42 


489  TABLE    OF   FIRST   LINES. 

Pa*e 

With  joy  we  lift  our  eyes      ....  250 

With  songs  and  honours  sounding  loud  -  -  49 

With  transport,  Lord  !  we  view  the  page  -  183 

Worthy  is  he,  that  once  was  slain           -  -  104 

YE  faithful  souls,  who  Jesus  know    -  -  375 

Ye  foll'wers  of  the  Prince  of  Peace  -  263 

Ye  golden  lamps  of  heav'n !  farewell     -  -  344 

Ye  humble  souls,  approach  your  God  2 

Ye  humble  souls,  complain  no  more        -  -  187 

Ye  humble  souls,  that  seek  the  Lord       -  -  113 

Ye  mourning  saints,  whose  streaming  tears  -  300 

Ye  servants  of  the  Lord        ....  200 

Ye  sons  of  men,  in  sacred  lays  24 

Ye  subjects  of  the  Lord,  proclaim  54 

Yes,  the  Redeemer  rose         -        -        -  -  115 

Ye  trembling  souls !  dismiss  your  fears  -  -  180 

Ye  weak  inhabitants  of  clay  23 

Ye  works  of  God !  on  him  alone  -        -  -  13 


z 


EAL  is  that  pure  and  heavenly  flame     -    417 


LITURGY 


FOR    THE    USE    OF 


EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCHES. 


NEW    AND    ENLARGED    EDITION. 


Published  by  order  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Ministerium  of 
the  State  of  New-York. 


NEW-YORK: 

PRINTED  AND   SOLD  BY  HENRY  LUDWIG, 
Corner  of  Greenwich  and  Vesey-streets. 


1834. 


CONTENTS. 


Sec.  I.  Four  Forms  of  Confession  of  Sin,  and  four 
other  Introductory  Prayers. 

II.  Eight  general  Prayers.* 

III.  Five  Prayers  for  Festival  Occasions. 

IV.  Six  Prayers  after  Sermon. 

V.  Scriptural  Benedictions  for  the  conclusion  of 

Public  Worship. 

VI.  A  table  of  selections  from  the  Scriptures,  com- 

monly called  the  "  Gospels  and  Epistles." 

VII.  The  Ministration  of  Baptism  to  Infants. 

VIII.  The  Ministration  of  Baptism  to  such  as  are 

of  riper  years. 

IX.  Order  of  Confirmation. 

X.  Order   of   the   Service    preparatory   to   the 

Celebration  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 
XL        The  Administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper. 

XII.  A  Form  for  the  Consecration  of  a  Church. 

XIII.  A  Form  for  the  Ordination  of  a  Minister. 

XIV.  A  Form  for  the  Inauguration  of  the  Ruling 

Officers  of  a  Congregation. 

XV.  The  Solemnization  of  Matrimony. 

XVI.  The  Burial  of  the  Dead. 


*  If  any  of  these  Prayers  should  be  considered  too  long  to  be  used 
at  once,  it  may  be  easily  divided  into  two  part9 :  the  first  to  be  used 
before,  and  the  second  after  Sermon. 


A    LITURGY,    &o. 


SECTION   I. 

FOUR  FORMS  OF  CONFESSION  OF  SIN,  and 
FOUR  OTHER  PRAYERS,  proper  to  be  used 
in  the  Morning  Service,  immediately  after  its  in- 
troduction  by  the  singing  of  a  Hymn. 

1 

DEARLY  beloved,  the  holy  scriptures  declare,  that 
when  the  wicked  man  turneth  away  from  his  wicked- 
ness, and  doeth  that  which  is  lawful  and  right,  he 
shall  save  his  soul  alive.  The  sacrifices  of  God 
are  a  broken  and  a  contrite  heart.  To  the  Lord 
belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  though  we  have 
rebelled  against  him.  Let  us,  therefore,  arise,  and 
confess  our  sins  unto  our  Father,  with  sincere, 
humble,  and  obedient  hearts,  that  we  may  obtain 
remission  of  the  same  by  his  infinite  goodness  and 
mercy. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  Father,  unto  whom 
all  hearts  are  open  and  all  desires  are  known,  all 
whose  commandments  are  just,  necessary,  and  good  ! 
we  confess  unto  thee,  that  we  have  erred  and  stray- 
ed from  thy  ways  like  lost  sheep.  We  have  fol- 
lowed too  much  the  devices  and  desires  of  our 
own  hearts.  We  have  offended  against  thy  holy 
laws.  We  have  left  undone  those  things  which 
we  ought  to  have  done;  and  we  have  done  those 
things  which  we  ought  not  to  have  done.  But  enter 
42* 


4  INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS. 

not,  we  beseech  thee,  into  judgment  with  us ;  for  in 
thy  sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified.  As  thou 
hatest  nothing  which  thou  hast  made,  and  desirest 
not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  may 
turn  from  his  wickedness  and  live, — have  mercy, 
O  Lord,  upon  us,  miserable  offenders.  Spare  thou 
those,  O  God,  who  confess  their  faults.  Restore 
thou  those  who  are  truly  penitent,  according  to 
thy  gracious  promises  declared  unto  mankind  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  And  grant,  O  most  merciful 
Father,  that  we  may  hereafter  live  a  godly,  right- 
eous, and  sober  life,  to  the  glory  of  thy  holy  name, 
through  thy  blessed  Son,  our  Mediator  and  Redeem- 
er.    Amen. 


DEARLY  beloved,  "  If  we  say  that  we  have  no  sin, 
we  deceive  ourselves  and  the  truth  is  not  in  us. 
But  if  we  confess  (and  forsake)  our  sins,  God  is 
faithful  and  just  to  forgive  us  our  sins,  and  to  cleanse 
us  from  all  unrighteousness."  Encouraged  by  this 
merciful  assurance  of  his  word,  let  us  renounce  every 
evil  thought  and  way,  and  with  penitent  and  humble 
hearts  implore  the  forgiveness  of  all  our  transgres- 
sions. 

Holy,  holy,  holy  art  thou,  Lord  God  Almighty, 
the  merciful  Ruler,  the  righteous  Judge  of  all  thine 
intelligent  creatures  in  heaven  and  on  earth  !  Thou 
dwellest  in  a  light  unto  which  no  man  can  approach, 
and  canst  not  look  with  pleasure  upon  sin.  We  con- 
fess unto  thee,  the  Searcher  of  hearts,  that  we  are 
justly  chargeable  with  numerous  transgressions  and 
omissions  of  duty.  We  acknowledge  with  sorrow 
and  repentance,  that  we  have  been  unmindful  of  thy 
goodness,  and  disobedient  to  thy  laws;  that  we  have 
cherished  evil  dispositions,  inordinate  affections,  and 


INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS.  5 

sinful  passions ;  and  that  we  have  rendered  ourselves 
obnoxious  to  thy  displeasure,  and  deserving  of  the 
punishments  due  to  the  guilty.  O  Lord,  righteous- 
ness k'longt'th  unto  thee:  but  unto  us  shame  and 
confusion  of  face.  Our  only  hope  is  in  thy  tender 
mercy:  and  we  praise  thee,  that  thou  hast  graciously 
revealed  to  us  thy  readiness  to  receive  into  favour 
all  who  cease  to  do  evil  and  learn  to  do  well.  In  the 
name  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent 
into  the  world  to  save  us  from  our  sins  and  miseries, 
we  implore  the  forgiveness  of  all  our  offences ;  se- 
riously renouncing  whatever  is  contrary  to  thy  will, 
and  sincerely  resolving  to  follow  after  holiness  of 
heart  and  life.  Vouchsafe  to  direct  and  assist  us  by 
thy  Spirit,  in  carrying  these  purposes  into  effect. 
And  grant,  O  thou  God  of  compassion,  that  our 
hearts  may  be  established  in  the  love  and  fear  of 
thee,  in  a  cheering  sense  of  thy  goodness,  and  in  a 
joyful  hope  of  everlasting  life  and  happiness,  through 
the  mediation  of  our  crucified  and  exalted  Saviour, 
Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


DEARLY  beloved,  "  He  who  covereth  his  sins,  shall 
not  prosper ;  but  whoso  confesseth  and  forsaketh  his 
sins,  shall  obtain  mercy." 

"  I  will  arise  and  go  to  my  Father,  and  will  say 
unto  him,  Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven  and  be- 
fore thee,  and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son.' 

O  Almighty  God  and  most  merciful  Father,  whose 
eyes  are  open  upon  all  the  ways  of  the  children  of 
men !  with  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity  would  we 
seek  thee,  confessing  our  great  unthank fulness  and 
our  manifold  offences.  We  deplore  the  errors  and 
trespasses  which  we  have  at  any  time  committed,  in 


6  INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS. 

thought  or  feeling,  in  word  or  deed,  against  each 
other  and  against  thee.  And  we  beseech  thee, 
through  thy  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  to  look 
graciously  upon  us  and  forgive  us ;  to  assist  us  to 
lay  aside  every  weight  and  the  sins  which  so  easily 
beset  us ;  and  to  enable  us  to  subdue  all  our  desires 
and  passions  to  the  obedience  of  thy  holy  gospel. 
May  we  be  convinced,  O  God,  that  till  we  know 
thee,  we  know  nothing  aright ;  that  without  thy  friend- 
ship, we  have  nothing  of  any  worth ;  that  in  wander- 
ing from  thee,  we  leave  all  that  is  truly  good.  Help 
us  to  cast  ourselves  into  thine  arms  of  love,  and  to 
offer  up  to  thee  our  bodies  and  our  souls,  that  they 
may  be  thy  temple  for  ever.  Let  it  please  thee,  O 
Lord,  to  take  us  into  thy  keeping,  with  all  that  we 
have ;  and  so  to  strengthen  us,  that  nothing  hencefor- 
ward, either  in  life  or  death,  may  separate  us  from 
thy  service  and  deprive  us  of  thy  favour.  And  unto 
thee,  who  art  waiting  to  be  gracious,  and  art  exalted 
to  show  mercy  to  the  penitent,  be  everlasting  honour 
and  praise.     Amen. 


"  THUS  saith  the  high  and  lofty  One,  that  inhabiteth 
eternity,  whose  name  is  Holy :  I  dwell  in  the.  high 
and  holy  place,  with  him  also  that  is  of  a  contrite 
and  humble  spirit,  to  revive  the  spirit  of  the  humble, 
and  to  revive  the  hearts  of  the  contrite  ones."  "  Rend 
your  hearts,  and  not  your  garments,  and  turn  unto 
the  Lord  your  God ;  for  he  is  gracious  and  merciful, 
slow  to  anger,  and  of  great  kindness." 

O  God,  the  Father  of  all  being,  and  source  of  all 
good,  whom,  by  numberless  ties  of  gratitude,  duty,  and 
interest,  we  are  bound  to  love  and  obey !  we  come 
into  thy  presence,  acknowledging  our  imworthiness- 


INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS.  7 

of  thy  favours,  and  our  transgressions  of  thy  laws. 
We  would  lament  with  heartfelt  contrition,  that  we 
have  failed  to  make  a  just  improvement  of  the  talents 
committed  to  our  care,  and  have  often  neglected  to 
fulfil  our  obligations  to  thee,  to  ourselves,  and  to  our 
fellow-creatures.  We  confess  the  vanity  of  our 
thoughts,  the  irregularity  of  our  affections,  the  weak- 
ness of  our  good  resolutions,  the  deficiency  of  our 
best  performances,  in  numberless  instances.  We 
desire  to  abase  ourselves  before  thee  in  the  dust;  we 
implore  the  remission  of  all  our  iniquities;  we  fly  to 
the  hope  which  thou  hast  set  before  us  in  the  gospel 
of  thy  blessed  Son ;  and  we  pray  thee,  for  thy  good- 
ness' sake,  to  cleanse  us  from  all  unrighteousness, 
and  to  enable  us  to  walk  in  newness  of  life.  Help 
us,  O  Lord,  to  be  continually  aware,  in  the  time  to 
come,  of  the  deceitfulness  of  sin,  to  shun  its  ap- 
proaches, and  to  fly  from  its  snares.  Make  us  dili- 
gent in  the  discharge  of  every  office  of  piety  and 
virtue,  incumbent  upon  us.  And  give  us  grace  so  to 
trust  in  thy  promises,  that  we  may  live  and  die  in  the 
humble  and  joyful  expectation  of  thy  mercy  unto  eter- 
nal life,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 


ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  who  art  the  au- 
thor of  every  good  and  perfect  gift ;  what  fervent 
gratitude  do  we  owe  to  thee  for  the  privilege  of 
assembling  together  in  thy  house,  of  holding  com- 
munion with  thee,  of  confirming  our  faith  in  thy 
blessed  Son,  and  of  nourishing  our  souls  with  the 
bread  of  eternal  life  !  How  rich  is  the  provision, 
which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  make  for  the  sup- 
ply of  all  our  spiritual  wants  !  Accept,  we  beseech 
thee,  the  thankful  acknowledgements  of  our  hearts 


8  INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS. 

for  the  ordinances  of  thy  gospel,  and  for  the  insti- 
tution of  this  day  of  sacred  rest ;  and  enable  us  to 
make  a  wise  and  a  profitable  use  of  them.  Assist  us 
to  worship  thee,  who  art  a  Spirit,  in  spirit  and  in  truth. 
Dispose  us  so  to  understand,  to  recollect,  and  to  apply 
the  discoveries  and  precepts  of  thy  word,  that  we  may 
perfectly  love  and  serve  thee,  and  cordially  confide  in 
thy  government  and  promises.  Grant,  especially,  that 
the  serious  remembrance  of  the  triumphant  resurrec- 
tion of  thy  Son  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  of  which  we 
are  reminded  this  day,  may  animate  us  to  the  steadfast 
profession  of  his  name,  raise  our  affections  and  wishes 
to  the  things  which  are  above,  incite  us  to  follow  him 
in  his  holy  and  benevolent  life,  and  fill  us  with  joy, 
peace,  and  hope  in  believing. — Save  now,  O  Lord, 
we  beseech  thee.  In  thee  do  we  put  our  trust :  let 
us  never  be  ashamed.     Amen. 


6. 

O  THOU  ever-blessed  and  most  glorious  God,  who 
art  the  object  of  supreme  veneration,  on  whom  all  the 
families  of  the  earth  continually  depend  !  we,  thine  un- 
worthy servants,  would  come  before  thee  with  reve- 
rence and  thanksgiving.  We  esteem  it  good  for  us 
to  draw  near  unto  thee,  and  we  desire  to  serve  thee 
with  filial  joy  and  godly  fear.  May  the  various  ex- 
ercises in  which  we  engage,  be  acceptable  in  thy  sight, 
and  be  accompanied  with  thy  blessing.  May  we  ce- 
lebrate thy  praises  with  understanding  and  devotion ; 
and  remember  thy  great  goodness  to  us  and  to  all  men, 
that  we  may  be  inclined  to  love  thee,  and  to  cherish 
good-will  towards  one  another.  May  we  confess  our 
sins  unto  thee  with  unfeigned  sorrow  and  steadfast  pur- 
poses of  amendment.  May  we  offer  up  our  supplica- 
tions with  humble  confidence  in  thy  wisdom  and  kind- 


INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS.  9 

ness.  May  our  intercessions  be  accompanied  with 
upright  charity  towards  all  mankind.  May  we  re- 
ceive instruction  with  attention,  candour,  and  meek- 
ness :  lay  it  up  in  our  hearts,  and  bring  forth  the  fruits 
of  righteousness  in  our  lives.  May  no  vain  thoughts 
distract  our  minds,  no  unworthy  object  withdraw  our 
affections.  May  we  so  carefully  improve  all  the 
means  of  religion,  that  we  may  grow  wiser  and  better ; 
be  gradually  trained  up  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom ; 
and  at  last  be  made  partakers  of  that  happiness,  which 
eye  hath  not  seen,  which  ear  hath  not  heard,  and 
which  it  hath  not  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to 
conceive,  through  the  riches  of  thy  redeeming  grace 
in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


7. 

INFINITELY  great  and  blessed  God!  thou  hast 
declared,  that  thou  wilt  be  sanctified  by  those  who 
draw  nigh  unto  thee.  Sanctify  us,  we  beseech  thee, 
by  thy  truth,  that  we  may  sanctify  thee  in  our  hearts. 
Help  us  ever  to  regard  thy  service  as  our  highest 
honour,  and  thy  favour  as  our  chief  joy.  Prepare  us 
thyself  to  venerate  thine  incomprehensible  majesty, 
to  admire  thy  wonderful  works,  to  extol  thine  unutter- 
able goodness.  Open  thou  our  understandings,  that 
we  may  understand  the  Scriptures :  implant  within  us 
a  right  spirit,  that  we  may  receive  with  meekness  the 
instructions  of  thy  word :  withdraw  our  affections  from 
earthly  things,  that  we  may  fix  them  upon  those 
which  are  heavenly  and  divine.  And  let  all  our 
meditations,  all  our  words,  and  all  our  doings,  be  ac- 
ceptable in  thy  sight,  O  Lord,  our  strength,  and  our 
Redeemer.     Amen. 


10  INTRODUCTORY  PRAYERS. 

8. 

O  THOU  who  inhabitest  eternity,  and  art  exalted 
above  all  blessing  and  praise  !  we  adore  that  conde- 
scension which  permits,  and  that  goodness  which  in- 
vites us,  to  draw  near  unto  thy  throne.  We  praise 
thee  for  the  favourable  circumstances  under  which  we 
have  met  together  ;  for  our  exemption  from  worldly 
business ;  for  our  possession  of  the  sacred  Scriptures ; 
for  the  liberty  of  worshipping  thee,  according  to  our 
own  perception  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  We  praise 
thee,  that  we  are  not  this  day  bowing  down  to  sense- 
less idols,  and  trembling  at  the  footstool  of  a  relentless 
sovereign  ;  but  are  encouraged  to  call  upon  thee  as 
our  Father  in  heaven. 

Preserve  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  ever  being  so 
perverse,  as  to  abuse  or  undervalue  our  privileges. 
Help  us  to  wait  on  thee  in  the  exercises  of  this  day 
with  delight,  and  under  a  lively  impression  of  our  de- 
pendence and  accountability.  Bow  down  thine  ear 
to  the  voice  of  our  supplications ;  establish  in  our  souls 
thy  love  and  fear ;  let  thy  word  have  free  course 
among  us,  and  be  glorified ;  and  let  the  whole  earth 
be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  and  all  flesh 
see  thy  salvation.     Amen. 

N.  B.  The  following  portions  of  Scripture  may 
also  be  used  with  great  propriety,  for  the  introduc- 
tion of  public  worship :  viz.  Psalm  XVI.  XIX. 
XXVII.  LXVII.  LXXXIV.  XCVIII.  C.  CIII.  CXLV. 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  11 

SECTION    II. 
EIGHT  GENERAL  PRAYERS, 

PROPER    TO    BE    USED    IN     PUBLIC    WORSHIP. 
1. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  we  desire  to 
lift  up  our  hearts  unto  thee,  the  hearer  of  prayer, 
from  whom  alone  cometh  our  help.  We  adore  thee 
as  the  great  Parent  of  the  Universe,  from  whom  all 
things  proceed,  and  on  whom  all  creatures  depend. 
Thou  art  worthy  of  all  possible  veneration,  gratitude, 
and  obedience.  Thou  art  the  blessed  and  only  Po- 
tentate, the  King  of  kings,  and  Lord  of  lords.  Thou 
alone  hast  immortality,  and  art  unchangeable  in  wis- 
dom and  holiness.  Thy  truth  endure+h  to  all  gene- 
rations :  thy  mercy  is  from  everlasting  to  everlasting 
upon  them  that  fear  thee ;  and  thy  righteousness  unto 
children's  children. — We,  thine  unworthy  servants, 
would  give  thee  most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for 
all  thy  goodness  and  loving-kindness  to  us  and  to  all 
men.  We  bless  thee  for  our  creation,  preservation, 
and  all  the  blessings  of  this  life ;  but,  above  all,  for 
thine  inestimable  love  in  the  redemption  of  the  world 
by  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  means 
of  grace,  and  for  the  hope  of  glory.  And  we  beseech 
thee  to  give  us  that  due  sense  of  all  thy  mercies,  that 
our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly  thankful,  and  that  we 
may  show  forth  thy  praise  not  only  with  our  lips,  but 
in  our  lives.  Grant,  that  we  may  devote  ourselves 
to  thy  service,  and  walk  before  thee  in  holiness  and 
righteousness  all  our  days.  Enable  us  to  cherish  and 
to  exercise  habitually  every  pious  and  virtuous  affec- 
tion :  that  we  may  enjoy  the  testimony  of  a  good  con- 
science and  the  hope  of  thy  favour,  be  sustained  and 
comforted  under  the  troubles  of  this  kfe,  and  finally 
43 


12  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

be  received  into  thine  everlasting  kingdom,  through 
thine  infinite  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour. 

Thou  hast  directed  us,  Almighty  God,  to  offer  up 
our  supplications  for  all  our  fellow  men.  We  hum- 
bly beseech  thee  for  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men ; 
that  thou  wouldst  be  pleased  to  make  thy  ways  known 
unto  them,  the  saving  gospel  of  thy  Son  unto  all  na- 
tions; that  idolatry,  superstition,  and  vice  may  be 
banished  from  the  earth ;  and  that  war,  oppression, 
and  injustice,  may  for  ever  cease.  We  pray,  that  the 
church  of  Jesus  throughout  the  world  may  be  so 
guided  and  governed  by  thy  good  Spirit,  that  all,  who 
profess  themselves  Christians,  may  be  led  into  the  way 
of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in  unity  of  spirit,  in  the 
bond  of  peace,  and  in  righteousness  of  life.  We  com- 
mend to  thy  fatherly  goodness  all  those,  who  are 
afflicted  or  distressed  in  mind,  body,  or  estate ;  that  it 
may  please  thee  to  comfort  and  relieve  them  accord- 
ing to  their  several  necessities ;  giving  them  patience 
under  their  sufferings,  and  a  happy  issue  out  of  all 
their  afflictions. 

We  implore  thy  heavenly  blessing  especially  upon 
the  land  in  which  we  live.  Give  success,  we  pray 
thee,  to  the  lawful  and  virtuous  labours  of  its  inhabi- 
tants ;  and  provide  the  necessary  supplies  for  all  their 
wants.  Behold  with  thy  favour  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  the  Governor  of  this  State,  and  all  who 
are  invested  with  legislative,  judicial,  or  executive 
authority  ;  and  so  replenish  them  with  thy  grace,  that 
they  may  always  incline  to  thy  will  and  walk  in  thy 
way,  and  be  enabled  to  promote  and  secure  the  na- 
tional peace,  liberty,  safety,  and  prosperity.  Send 
down  upon  all  ministers  of  the  gospel,  and  upon  all 
congregations  committed  to  their  charge,  the  needful 
spirit  of  thy  grace,  that  they  may  truly  please  thee ; 
and  give  such  efficacy  to  the  means  of  education  with 
which  thou  hast  furnished  us,  that  we  may  become  a 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  13 

wise  and  righteous  people,  whom  thou  wilt  delight  to 
protect  and  favour. 

Hear  us,  most  merciful  God,  we  beseech  thee,  in 
these  our  supplications  and  intercessions,  winch  we 
offer  up  unto  thee  as  disciples  of  thy  Son  ;  and  pardon 
and  accept  us,  through  him,  now  and  evermore 
Amen. 


GLORY  and  honour  be  unto  thee,  the  self-existent 
and  infinite  Jehovah,  who  art,  and  wast,  and  shalt  be 
from  eternity  to  eternity  !  Adoration  and  praise  be 
unto  thee,  the  omnipotent,  all-wise,  all-gracious  Being, 
who  fillest  the  heavens  and  the  earth  with  thy  pre- 
sence and  thy  love  ! 

Glory  and  honour  be  unto  thee,  the  Creator  and 
Preserver  of  the  Universe,  the  Father  and  the  Friend 
of  the  sons  of  men  !  Thou  hast  formed  us  after  thine 
own  image,  made  us  intelligent,  free,  and  immortal 
spirits,  and  raised  us  to  the  dignity  of  thy  children  and 
worshippers.  Thou  bestowest  upon  us,  each  return- 
ing day,  invaluable  mercies  and  blessings  both  for  our 
bodies  and  our  souls ;  and  thou  art  preparing  us  for 
vastly  higher  satisfactions  in  a  better  world. 

Adoration  and  praise  be  unto  thee,  the  Father  of 
compassion,  the  God  of  all  consolation  and  grace  in 
Christ  Jesus  our  Lord !  Thou  hast  pitied  our  sinful 
and  wretched  race,  and  given  us  a  Redeemer  who  is 
able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost.  By  the  doctrines, 
the  death,  and  the  resurrection  of  thy  Son,  thou  hast 
revealed  to  us  thy  character  and  will,  conferred  on  us 
the  strongest  assurance  and  pledge  of  thy  mercy,  en- 
riched us  with  comfort  under  all  our  trials  and  dis- 
tresses, encouraged  and  enabled  us  to  prove  faithful 
to  duty,  delivered  us  from  the  fear  of  death  and  of 


14  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

hell,  and  set  before  us  the  path  of  life  and  pleasures 
at  thy  right  hand  for  evermore. 

Almighty  God,  how  shall  words  express  the  gran- 
deur of  thy  majesty,  and  the  magnitude  and  extent 
of  thy  grace  !  We  would  bow  down  with  the  pro- 
foundest  veneration,  and  worship  thee  as  the  first,  the 
best,  the  most  perfect  of  all  beings.  We  contem- 
plate with  amazement  the  immeasurable  distance  be- 
tween thee  and  us  thy  frail  and  guilty  creatures  ;  and 
rejoice,  that,  though  thou  art  infinitely  exalted,  thou 
deignest  to  exercise  such  condescension  and  clemency 
towards  us.  To  thee  all  our  homage,  affection,  and 
submission  are  due.  To  praise  and  adore  thee  be  our 
delightful  and  eternal  employment,  and  that  of  all  our 
brethren ! 

Merciful  Parent  of  the  human  family,  enable  us  to 
live  under  an  habitual  sense  of  the  relation  which  we 
sustain  towards  thee.  May  the  recollection  of  thy 
greatness  ever  inspire  us  with  reverence,  and  the  re- 
membrance of  thy  mercy  lead  us  to  consecrate  our 
bodies  and  our  souls  as  a  living  sacrifice  unto  thee. 
May  a  cheerful  and  universal  obedience  ever  prove 
our  gratitude,  and  a  patient  submission  to  the  afflic- 
tions we  may  encounter  evince  our  trust.  May  we 
ever  rejoice  in  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Captain  of  our  sal- 
vation, open  our  hearts  to  all  his  discoveries  and  com- 
mandments, make  them  the  only  rule  of  our  faith  and 
practice,  aim  continually  at  an  increasing  resemblance 
of  his  divine  dispositions  and  virtues,  and  rely  with 
immoveable  confidence  upon  the  precious  promises 
which  he  sealed  with  his  blood.  By  the  influence 
of  his  holy  gospel,  may  we  pass  with  usefulness  and 
comfort  through  all  the  vicissitudes  of  this  transitory 
state,  and  become  qualified  for  an  entrance  into  that 
world,  where  all  his  followers  shall  behold  him  face 
to  face. 

These  blessings,  which  we  supplicate  for  ourselves, 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  15 

we  beseech  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  extend  to  the 
whole  family  of  man.  Increase  the  number  of  those, 
who  adore  thee  with  holy  joy,  and  with  a  Christian 
temper  and  life.  Multiply  the  triumphs  of  truth  over 
error,  of  righteousness  over  iniquity,  of  a  filial  spirit 
of  love  over  servile  terrors  and  gloomy  fears.  In  all 
the  habitations  of  men,  from  the  rising  unto  the  going 
down  of  the  sun,  may  the  incense  of  acceptable  praise 
and  the  pure  offering  of  a  virtuous  life  be  presented 
unto  thee. 

Endow  all  those,  who  are  appointed  to  rule  over 
their  fellow-men,  with  a  superior  measure  of  wisdom 
and  benevolence ;  and  inspire  all  instructers  of  youth 
and  all  teachers  of  religion  with  an  ardent  concern  to 
promote  the  welfare  of  those  with  whom  they  are 
connected.  Enlighten  and  direct  thy  servants  to  whom 
the  administration  of  our  government  is  committed, 
and  all  who  are  empowered  to  enact  and  to  execute 
our  laws,  in  fulfilling  their  arduous  and  important 
duties.  Grant  that  all  the  inhabitants  of  our  land  may 
lead  a  quiet  and  peaceable  life  in  all  godliness  and 
honesty.  Vouchsafe  to  preserve  to  us  our  civil  and 
religious  rights,  to  protect  us  from  the  horrors  of  war 
and  other  public  calamities,  to  bless  us  with  healthy 
and  fruitful  seasons,  and  to  prosper  our  agriculture, 
commerce,  and  manufactures. 

Have  mercy,  gracious  God,  upon  all  communities 
or  individuals,  who  are  oppressed  by  injustice  and 
tyranny  :  who  are  flying  from  the  sword  of  their  ene- 
mies ;  who  are  suffering  the  desolation  of  famine  or 
pestilence  ;  who  are  bowed  down  by  sickness  or  po- 
verty; or  who  are  exposed  to  any  other  necessities 
and  dangers.  Prevent  them,  we  pray  thee,  from  be- 
ing overwhelmed  by  such  visitations,  and  from  sink- 
ing into  despair.  Raise  up  to  them  friends,  and  send 
them  relief  in  their  distresses;  and  cause  the  rough 
and  thorny  path  of  affliction  to  become  to  them  the 
43* 


16  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

path  to  perfection  and  bliss.  Let  thy  consolations 
cheer  and  support,  especially,  our  mourning  and  dis- 
tressed brethren,  who  are  united  with  this  religious 
society,  or  for  whom  our  prayers  have  been  desired. 
Alleviate  their  pains,  both  of  body  and  mind.  Deliver 
them  from  all  their  sorrows,  if  this  be  agreeable  to  thy 
holy  will,  or  enable  them  to  suffer  with  pious  resigna- 
tion and  hope ;  and  let  them  find  by  happy  experience, 
that  it  was  good  for  them  to  be  afflicted. 

And  now  unto  thee,  who  art  able  to  do  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  be  glory 
in  the  church  by  Christ  Jesus,  throughout  all  ages. 
Amen. 


GREAT  art  thou,  O  God,  and  greatly  to  be  praised  | 
worthy  to  be  had  in  reverence  by  all  the  children 
of  men  !  We  worship  thee  as  the  Creator  and  Go- 
vernor of  all  things  visible  and  invisible.  Thou  livest 
and  reignest,  unchangeably  the  same,  without  begin- 
ning of  days  or  end  of  years.  Thou  art  present  at 
all  times  in  every  part  of  thy  dominion  ;  the  universe 
is  thy  temple ;  thine  is  the  majesty,  and  the  power,  and 
the  glory.  Thou  art  perfect  in  wisdom,  wonderful  in 
counsel,  holy  in  all  thy  ways,  and  righteous  in  all  thy 
works.  Thy  faithfulness  endureth  for  ever,  and  jus- 
tice and  judgment  are  the  foundation  of  thy  throne. 
Thou  art  good,  and  thou  doest  good  continually ;  the 
earth  is  full  of  thy  riches ;  and  every  blessing  and 
advantage  cometh  down  from  thee. 

We  thank  thee,  O  thou  Father  of  lights,  for  the 
innumerable  mercies  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon 
us.  We  thank  thee  for  the  gift  of  life  ;  for  the  wise 
and  useful  frame  of  our  bodies ;  and  for  the  nobler 
powers  of  our  minds,  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  at- 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  17 

tain  to  the  knowledge  and  love  of  thee.  We  thank 
thee,  that  thou  hast  implanted  in  us  a  sense  of  good 
and  evil,  and  the  affections  of  benevolence  and  com- 
passion. We  thank  thee  for  the  continual  preserva- 
tion of  our  being,  and  confess,  that  food  and  raiment, 
that  health  and  joy,  and  all  our  outward  possessions, 
are  the  gifts  of  thy  bounty ;  and  that  the  blessings  of 
friendship,  freedom,  and  equal  government,  are  thy 
benevolent  appointment. 

We  thank  thee,  that  thy  goodness  is  not  confined 
to  the  present  world,  but  that  thou  art  training  us  up 
for  everlasting  life  by  thy  providence  and  grace.  We 
thank  thee  for  the  instructions  and  examples  of  the 
wise  and  the  good,  and  for  every  opportunity  of  cul- 
tivating knowledge  and  virtue.  But,  above  all,  we 
praise  and  magnify  thee  for  the  rich  display  of  thy 
love  in  the  manifestation  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
We  acknowledge  with  the  highest  gratitude,  that  by 
him  thou  hast  given  us  thy  heavenly  truth  to  enlighten 
our  minds  and  to  sanctify  our  hearts ;  and  that  in  his 
life  thou  hast  set  before  us  a  model  of  the  most  exalt- 
ed goodness,  to  encourage  and  animate  our  upright 
endeavours  to  serve  thee.  We  bless  thee  for  the  pro- 
mises of  mercy  and  forgiveness,  and  for  the  hopes  of 
immortality,  which  are  confirmed  to  us  in  his  gospel. 
We  rejoice,  that,  after  he  had  suffered  death  upon 
the  cross  for  the  reconciliation  of  our  souls  to  thee, 
he  was  raised  up  from  the  grave,  and  became  the  Au- 
thor of  eternal  salvation  to  all  those  who  obey  him. 

But,  whilst  we  bless  thee,  Almighty  God,  for  thy 
goodness  and  thy  wonderful  works,  we  are  humbled 
by  the  thought  of  our  ingratitude  and  unworthiness. 
We  lament  before  thee,  that  we  have  not  duly  hear- 
kened to  the  voice  of  thy  word,  nor  been  as  sensible 
of  thy  clemency  and  compassion  as  it  behoved  us  to 
be.  We  have  been  guilty  of  many  errors  and  trans- 
gressions, and  negligent  in  the  government  of  our 


18  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

hearts  and  the  direction  of  our  conduct.  We  have 
exposed  ourselves  to  thy  righteous  displeasure ;  and 
would  bow  down  before  thy  throne,  imploring  thy 
pardon.  O  God,  have  mercy  upon  the  works  of 
thy  hand,  and  forgive  and  accept  thy  people,  ac- 
cording to  the  covenant  of  thy  grace  in  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  As  it  is  the  desire  of  our  hearts  to  return 
to  the  path  of  obedience,  enable  us,  we  beseech  thee, 
by  the  assistance  of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  correct  what- 
ever is  wrong  in  our  tempers  and  behaviour,  and  to 
delight  in  the  practice  of  every  thing  good  and  virtu- 
ous. Endow  us  with  an  active  principle  of  humble 
and  joyful  piety,  with  a  supreme  love  and  a  constant 
regard  to  thee,  with  a  prevailing  disposition  to  do  unto 
all  men  as  we  would  that  they  should  do  unto  us,  with 
a  solicitude  to  approve  ourselves  to  thee,  the  unerring 
Judge,  by  pure  affections,  and  by  a  watchful  care  over 
our  thoughts  and  passions.  Assist  us  to  become  and 
to  continue  the  faithful  disciples  of  thy  Son,  to  glory 
in  his  cross  and  triumph,  and  to  demonstrate  our  at- 
tachment and  devotedness  to  him  by  promoting  the 
success  of  his  gospel  with  all  our  power,  and  by 
causing  the  light  of  a  good  example  to  shine  before 
others.  And  while  we  pray  thee,  merciful  Father,  to 
defend  us  from  every  real  evil,  and  to  confer  upon  us 
whatever  is  needful  for  our  bodies  and  our  souls,  we 
would  desire  to  submit  ourselves  perfectly  to  the  dis- 
posal of  thy  wisdom.  Through  whatever  changes 
we  may  be  conducted  by  thy  providence,  help  us  to 
improve  them  to  thy  glory,  that  we  may  be  finally 
admitted  into  those  everlasting  habitations,  which  thou 
hast  graciously  promised  to  thy  faithful  servants  by 
J«sus  Christ  our  Lord. 

Almighty  God,  thou  wilt  have  all  men  to  be  saved 
and  to  be  brought  unto  the  knowledge  of  the  truth. 
Enlarge,  we  beseech  thee,  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son, 
and  give  him  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for  his 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  19 

possession.  Put  an  end  to  all  falsehood  in  religion, 
and  all  wickedness  of  life.  Grant,  that  pure  and  un- 
corrupted  Christianity  may  prevail ;  that  all  its  pro- 
fessors may  walk  worthy  of  their  high  calling ;  that 
persecution  may  for  ever  cease,  and  righteousness, 
peace,  and  charity  every  where  abound. 

Father  of  mercies,  look  down  with  favour  upon 
these  United  States  of  America.  Enable  the  Presi- 
dent, and  all  others  in  authority,  to  discharge  the 
duties  of  their  stations  with  wisdom  and  integrity,  as 
men  who  are  responsible  to  thee.  Cause  a  speedy 
and  effectual  stop  to  be  put  to  the  progress  of  immo- 
rality and  profaneness  :  that,  on  the  lasting  basis  of 
public  virtue,  the  public  happiness  may  be  established, 
and  our  liberties  be  preserved  and  handed  down  in- 
violate to  the  latest  posterity.  Crown  the  year  with 
thy  goodness  ;  help  all  thy  people  to  live  in  concord 
and  harmony  ;  and  let  all  our  churches  and  schools 
be  monuments  of  thy  love. 

Extend  thy  pity,  in  particular,  we  pray  thee,  to  all 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  sorrow.  Be  thou  a  father 
to  the  fatherless,  and  the  defender  of  the  widow. 
Provide  for  the  poor  ;  give  health  to  the  sick  ;  com- 
fort those  who  mourn ;  support  such  as  suffer  for 
righteousness'  sake ;  prepare  the  dying  for  their  re- 
moval from  this  probationary  state  ;  and  deliver  the 
nations  from  all  the  evil  effects  of  ambition,  avarice, 
anarchy,  violence,  and  contention. 

Hear  us,  O  God  of  mercy,  in  these  our  supplica- 
tions, which  we  offer  up  in  the  name  and  as  the  dis- 
ciples of  thy  Son.  And  unto  Him  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne,  and  to  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  be  glory  and 
honour  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


20  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

4. 

SUPREMELY  exalted  and  adorable  Jehovah,  whom 
angels  and  archangels  delight  to  worship,  whom  the 
heaven  of  heavens  cannot  contain  !  behold  in  mercy 
thy  servants  and  children,  who  come  before  thee  with 
the  voice  of  prayer  and  of  praise.  We  bow  down 
before  thee,  the  self-existent  and  eternal  Being,  and 
rejoice  in  the  revelation  which  thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  make  of  thy  character  and  will.  Thou  hast  form- 
ed the  heavens  with  all  their  hosts,  the  earth  and  all 
that  dwell  therein.  Thou  preservest  universal  na- 
ture in  existence,  maintainest  the  beauty  and  order  of 
thy  works,  and  disposest  all  things  by  counsels  which 
cannot  err.  All  creatures  are  entirely  dependent 
upon  thee,  and  thou  assignest  to  each  his  proper  sta- 
tion and  duty.  Thy  providence  is  perfect ;  thy  go- 
vernment is  righteous ;  all  thy  commandments  are 
equitable,  pure,  and  good.  Unto  thee  alone,  the 
blessed  and  supreme  Potentate,  is  unlimited  submission 
due. 

We  venerate,  O  God,  thine  almighty  power,  thine 
unspotted  sanctity,  and  thine  unbounded  wisdom  ;  but 
we  would  especially  acknowledge  thine  infinite  and 
everlasting  goodness.  Thou  art  the  fountain  of  hap- 
piness, and  thou  diffusest  blessings  innumerable 
throughout  thy  creation.  Thou  art  the  Father  of  our 
spirits,  and  the  Former  of  our  bodies.  Thou  hast 
exercised  a  gracious  care  over  us  from  the  first  mo- 
ment of  our  existence,  supplied  our  wants,  and  pro- 
vided for  us  many  enjoyments.  We  thank  thee  for 
all  the  mercies  of  our  outward  condition,  and  for  all 
the  satisfactions  of  society  and  friendship.  We  thank 
thee  for  understanding  and  knowledge,  for  the  capa- 
city of  making  improvement  in  religion  and  virtue, 
and  for  all  our  opportunities  and  means  to  attain  true 
happiness.     We  thank  thee,  above  all,  that  thou  hast 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  21 

sent  thine  only-begotten  Son,  to  save  us  from  igno- 
rance and  fear,  to  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity,  and  to 
purify  unto  himself  a  peculiar  people  zealous  of  good 
works.  We  thank  thee,  that  thou  wast  in  him  recon- 
ciling the  world  unto  thyself  that  he  gave  himself  for 
us,  and  sutfered  the  painful  death  of  the  cross  for  our 
souls,  and  that  through  him  we  receive  remission  of 
sin.  We  thank  thee,  that,  by  his  glorious  resurrec- 
tion and  ascension,  he  has  brought  life  and  immor- 
tality to  light :  that  he  has  opened  before  us  the  solem- 
nities of  a  future  judgment,  and  displayed  to  us  the 
mansions  of  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect. 

What  is  man.  O  God,  that  thou  art  so  mindful  of 
him,  and  the  son  of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  thus  1 
How  good  art  thou  to  the  evil  and  unthankful  !  and 
yet  how  often  have  we  offended  against  thy  rich  and 
unspeakable  grace,  and  slighted  that  long-suffering 
and  forbearance  which  should  have  led  us  to  repent- 
ance !  how  many  are  the  occasions,  on  which  we 
have  felt  and  acted  inconsistently  with  the  character 
which  we  are  required  to  bear,  the  great  example 
which  is  set  before  us,  and  the  sure  and  precious  pro- 
mises to  which  we  are  called  !  But  suffer  us  not,  O 
Lord,  to  perish  in  our  transgressions :  deliver  us  from 
the  dominion  of  them  in  the  time  to  come.  Enable 
us  to  live  according  to  the  profession  which  we  make, 
and  the  desires  which  we  now  express  before  thee. 
Give  us  such  a  deep  persuasion  of  the  evil  of  sin,  and 
of  the  importance  and  necessity  of  a  holy  heart  and 
life,  that  we  may  carefully  abstain  from  all  impiety 
and  unrighteousness.  Let  the  grace  and  mercy  which 
thou  hast  shewn  unto  us  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
excite  in  us  due  returns  of  love  and  obedience ;  and 
constrain  us  to  exercise  sincere  kindness,  tenderness, 
and  forgiveness  to  all  our  brethren.  Let  the  remem- 
brance of  death,  judgment,  and  eternity,  effectually 
lead  us  to  purify  our  minds,  to  imitate  the  pattern  of 


22  GENERAL  PRAY7ERS. 

our  blessed  Master,  and  never  to  be  weary  in  well- 
doing. Let  the  assurances  and  pledges,  which  thou 
hast  given  us  of  thy  love  to  all  thy  upright  and  faith- 
ful children,  fill  our  hearts  with  joyful  hope,  and  with 
a  firm  reliance  upon  thy  divine  assistance.  Safe  un- 
der thy  protection,  and  happy  in  thy  favour,  may  we 
cheerfully  follow  where  thou  pleasest  to  conduct  us, 
desire  only  what  thou  shalt  see  fit  to  give  us,  and  en- 
dure with  fortitude  the  trials  which  thou  shalt  appoint 
for  us.  In  health  and  in  sickness,  in  life  and  in  death, 
may  we  lift  up  our  souls  unto  thee,  and  make  thy 
goodness  and  mercy  in  the  Mediator  of  our  race 
our  only  confidence  and  joy.  And  having  lived,  by 
thy  grace,  in  a  state  of  continual  improvement  and 
preparation  for  thy  heavenly  kingdom,  may  we  finally 
be  received  into  the  same,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of 
thy  name,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

O  God,  who  art  the  Father  of  all  mankind,  fill  the 
minds  of  thy  reasonable  creatures,  we  beseech  thee, 
with  the  knowledge  of  thy  truth,  and  deliver  them 
from  every  evil  affection.  Cause  the  gospel  of  thy 
Son  to  prevail  through  the  world,  to  enter  the  hearts 
and  govern  the  lives  of  all  its  inhabitants,  and  to  make 
all  nations  righteous  and  happy.  Reform  the  disor- 
ders, which  arise  from  the  evil  passions  of  men ;  and 
prosper  the  just  designs  of  all  who  delight  in  peace. 
Grant,  that  the  blessings  of  free  and  equal  govern- 
ment may  become  universal,  the  advantages  of  civil 
society  be  widely  extended,  the  best  interests  of  eve- 
ry community  be  fully  secured,  and  all  thy  children 
be  united  in  the  praise  of  thee  and  the  love  of  one 
another. 

We  commit  to  thee,  our  righteous  Governor,  all  the 
important  concerns  of  our  country.  We  pray,  that  we 
may  live  in  safety,  and  enjoy  thy  blessings  in  tranquil- 
lity and  peace ;  that  we  may  escape  the  destructive 
evils,  which  thou  hast  appointed  for  wicked  nations; 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  23 

and  that  religion  and  virtue  may  so  prevail  among  us, 
that  our  privileges  may  be  transmitted  to  succeeding 
Be  pleased  to  give  us  the  fruits  of  the  earth 
in  their  seasons,  and  to  bless  all  orders  of  men  in  the 
diligent  discharge  of  their  respective  duties.  Give 
success  to  all  the  means  employed  among  us  for  in- 
structing the  young,  for  reclaiming  the  vicious,  and  for 
establishing  the  well-disposed.  Enlighten,  direct,  and 
prosper  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  all  who 
are  invested  with  authority.  May  they  be  men  fearing 
thee,  and  hating  covetousness  and  all  manner  of  ini- 
quity :  may  all  their  power  and  influence  be  exerted  for 
the  promotion  of  the  welfare  of  the  people,  and  the  ad- 
vancement of  thy  glory ;  and,  under  their  government 
may  justice  and  judgment  be  impartially  administered. 

Finally,  we  beseech  thee,  O  God  of  mercy,  to  ex- 
tend thy  favourable  regard  to  all  our  brethren  who 
are  in  affliction.  May  thy  wisdom  be  their  direction, 
thy  power  their  support,  thy  goodness  their  confidence. 
By  patience  and  a  serious  improvement  of  their  suffer- 
ings, may  they  be  prepared  for  unmixed  happiness 
in  that  better  world,  where  all  thy  ways  will  be  com- 
pletely justified  and  everlasting  praise  will  ascend  to 
thy  throne. 

And  unto  thee,  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  and  invisi- 
ble, be  all  honour  and  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Mediator  and  Redeemer,  now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


5. 

ETERNAL  and  most  merciful  God,  unto  whom  all 
hearts  are  open,  and  from  whom  no  secrets  can  be 
hid !  we  would  raise  our  thoughts  and  affections  to  thee, 
as  the  greatest  and  the  best  of  beings,  the  object  of 
supreme  veneration,  the  high  and  mighty  Ruler  of  the 
Universe.  The  heavens  are  the  throne,  the  earth  is 
44 


24  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

thy  foot-stool.  Honour  and  majesty  are  before  thee; 
strength  and  beauty  are  in  thy  sanctuary ;  holiness 
becometh  thy  house  for  ever.  Powerful  is  thine 
arm ;  unsearchable  are  thy  judgments ;  righteous 
is  thy  reign ;  with  thee  there  is  no  respect  of  persons. 
Thy  wrath  is  revealed  against  all  ungodliness  and 
wickedness  ;  thy  mercy  is  sure  to  every  humble  and 
penitent  soul ;  thy  counsels  are  counsels  of  peace, 
and  not  of  evil.  We  address  ourselves  to  thee  as  de- 
pendant, frail,  and  guilty  creatures,  who  cannot  exist 
without  thy  support,  who  cannot  be  happy  without  thy 
love.  We  acknowledge,  that  all  our  faculties  are  the 
work  of  thy  hand,  that  all  our  outward  advantages 
and  enjoyments  are  the  gifts  of  thy  Providence,  that 
all  our  consolation  and  improvement  flow  from  thy 
grace.  We  bless  thee  for  all  those  satisfactions  and 
comforts,  which  have  sustained,  cheered,  and  gladden- 
ed us  in  every  stage  of  our  pilgrimage.  We  praise 
thee,  that  we  are  made  but  a  little  lower  than  the  an- 
gels, and  formed  with  capacities  to  know,  to  love,  and 
to  rejoice  in  thee  for  ever.  We  thank  thee,  above  all, 
for  the  mission  of  thy  beloved  Son,  for  redemption 
through  his  blood,  even  the  forgiveness  of  sins,  for  the 
possession  of  his  precious  gospel,  for  the  privilege  of 
freely  inquiring  into  its  meaning,  and  for  the  liberty 
of  openly  professing  our  faith.  What  everlasting  gra- 
titude is  due  to  thee,  that  his  doctrines  perfectly  en- 
lighten the  human  mind,  that  his  precepts  clearly 
point  out  to  us  the  path  of  duty,  that  his  example  in- 
cites and  encourages  our  works  of  love,  that  his 
death  speaks  peace  and  joy  to  the  upright  believer, 
that  his  resurrection  from  the  grave  establishes  our 
confidence  in  him  as  our  divine  Mediator  and  Redeem- 
er, and  that  his  ascension  to  glory  enlivens  our  best 
and  dearest  hopes ! 

O  God  !   accept,  we  beseech  thee,  the  expressions  of 
our  thankfulness  for  these  inestimable  mercies*     Par- 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  25 

don,  of  thine  infinite  goodness,  whatever  of  lukewarm- 
ness  and  disobedience  thy  pure  eyes  have  seen  in  our 
minds  and  in  our  lives.  Give  us  grace  to  make  a  dili- 
gent and  faithful  use  of  every  talent  committed  to  our 
care.  Vouchsafe  to  direct  us  in  all  our  religious 
inquiries.  Help  us  to  shun  all  presumption,  and  to 
maintain  a  humble  and  teachable  disposition.  Pre- 
serve us  from  those  prejudices  which  pervert  the  judg- 
ment, from  those  passions  which  debase  the  under*- 
standing,  from  those  mistakes  which  weaken  the 
principles  and  obstruct  the  practice  of  Christian  virtue, 
from  those  superstitious  imaginations  and  fears  which 
betray  men  into  dishonourable  and  unworthy  concep- 
tions of  thee.  Assist  us  to  know  thee  more  and  more 
perfectly,  to  understand  thy  will  and  our  exalted  des- 
tination, to  make  thee  the  object  of  our  highest  confi- 
dence, reverence,  and  joy,  to  love  thee  with  all  our 
souls,  and  to  walk  with  circumspection  and  alacrity  ac- 
cording to  thy  holy  commandments.  May  we  daily 
learn  more  of  that  Saviour  who  was  meek  and  lowly 
in  heart,  take  his  yoke  upon  us,  and  find  his  pro- 
mised rest  and  peace.  May  our  faith  in  him  continual- 
ly grow  stronger  and  more  efficacious,  and  that  same 
mind  and  spirit  be  in  us  which  was  in  him.  May  his 
gospel  be  completely  successful  in  correcting  our 
errors,  in  forming  within  us  the  amiable  graces  of 
the  Christian  character,  in  supporting  us  under  the 
difficulties  and  sufferings  of  this  transitory  life,  and  in 
preparing  us  for  the  glory  which  is  about  to  be  re- 
vealed. Having  lived  as  his  true  followers,  may 
the  remembrance  of  his  crucifixion  and  triumph  ban- 
ish every  fear  from  our  besoms  in  the  hour  of  death. 
And,  in  the  day  of  judgment,  may  thy  grace  give  us 
the  portion  of  those,  to  whom  our  Lord  shall  say: 
"Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father,  inherit  the  kingdom 
prepared  for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  world." 
Almighty  God,  thou  desirest  not  the  destruction  of 


26  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

any,  but  hast  loved  the  whole  world  and  given  thy 
Son  to  taste  death  for  every  man-  O  grant,  we 
beseech  thee,  that  all  the  children  of  Adam  may  rejoice 
in  the  light  of  his  gospel,  and  experience  the  invalua- 
ble blessings,  which  are  bestowed  upon  us  through 
his  mediation.  Be  pleased  so  to  direct  the  affairs  of 
this  world,  and  to  smile  upon  all  proper  means  for  the 
advancement  of  thy  kingdom,  the  kingdom  of  truth, 
purity,  and  righteousness,  that  it  may  soon  be  com- 
pletely and  universally  established.  Put  an  end,  we 
pray  thee,  to  tyranny  and  violence,  to  the  destructive 
schemes  of  ungodly  ambition,  to  the  effusion  of  human 
blood,  and  to  the  unnatural  devastations  and  cala- 
mities of  war.  Dispose  all,  who  bear  the  name  of  thy 
Son,  to  speak  the  truth  in  love,  to  honour  each  other, 
and  to  live  as  brethren.  And  let  every  plant,  which 
thou,  our  heavenly  Father,  hast  not  planted,  be  root- 
ed up. 

We  pray  for  the  various  tribes  of  the  human  fami- 
ly. May  it  please  thee  to  favour  all  virtuous  and  pious 
communities  with  thy  special  protection,  and  to  em- 
ploy all  the  methods  of  thy  government  for  the  refor- 
mation of  such  as  are  vicious  and  corrupt. 

We  implore  thy  blessing,  especially,  upon  the  land 
in  which  we  live.  Pour  out  upon  us,  O  God,  a  spirit 
of  repentance  and  reformation  of  all  our  national  sins. 
Grant,  that  our  civil  and  religious  liberties  may  be  se- 
cured and  preserved,  and  that  our  public  counsels, 
founded  upon  truth  and  righteousness,  may  be  crown- 
ed with  success.  May  all  our  magistrates,  judges,  and 
rulers,  be  inspired  with  wisdom  and  energy,  with  a 
love  of  justice,  with  a  zeal  for  religion,  and  with  a 
generous  concern  for  the  happiness  of  the  people. 
May  all  the  ministers  of  thy  word  be  found  faithful, 
helpers  of  the  joy  of  their  fellow -Christians,  not  lords 
over  thy  heritage,  but  ensamples  to  the  flock.  May 
it  please  thee  to  smile  upon  the  useful  labours  of  the 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  27 

various  classes  of  our  citizens,  to  give  us  the  fruits  of 
the  earth,  and  to  preserve  us  from  the  horrors  of  war, 
of  famine,  of  pestilence,  of  conflagrations,  and  other 
public  calamities.  Or,  shouldst  thou,  in  thine  infinite 
wisdom,  visit  us  with  such  chastisements ;  grant,  we  be- 
seech thee,  that  they  may  not  terminate  in  our  destruc- 
tion, but  co-operate  with  all  other  events  for  our  im- 
provement and  everlasting  felicity. 

We  pray  thee,  O  thou  God  of  compassion !  to  have 
mercy  upon  the  sons  and  daughters  of  affliction. 
Ease  the  pained,  restore  the  sick,  strengthen  the  fee- 
ble, support  the  aged,  assist  the  tempted,  satisfy  the 
doubting,  feed  the  poor  with  bread,  plead  the  cause 
of  the  oppressed  and  persecuted.  Preserve  those  who 
travel  by  land  or  water ;  show  pity  upon  prisoners  and 
captives :  do  thou,  the  Father  of  the  fatherless,  the  wi- 
dow's God,  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  and  comfort 
those  that  mourn.  Turn  the  wicked  from  every  evil 
way  ;  let  one  spirit,  the  spirit  of  harmony,  piety,  love, 
and  joy,  be  diffused  over  thy  creation ;  and  raise  all 
men  to  those  pure  and  endless  pleasures,  which  are 
found  at  thy  right  hand. 

And  now  to  thee,  O  God,  who  hast  created  us,  to 
thee,  who  hast  redeemed  us,  to  thee,  who  art  sanc- 
tifying the  hearts  of  thy  faithful  servants,  be  everlast- 
ing honour  and  glory.     Amen. 


INFINITE  and  incomprehensible  Jehovah,  whom  an- 
gels and  archangels  delight  to  worship,  whom  the  hea- 
ven of  heavens  cannot  contain  :  we  look  up  unto  thy 
throne  with  a  deep  conviction,  that  it  is  our  duty  to  ac- 
knowledge thee  in  all  our  ways,  and  devoutly  to  offer 
unto  thee  our  thanks  and  prayers.  We  praise  thee 
that  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  furnish  us  with  all 
44* 


28  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

things  necessary  to  life  and  godliness  in  the  doctrines 
of  thy  holy  gospel ;  and  we  would  implore  thy  gra- 
cious assistance,  to  enable  us  to  walk  worthy  of  our 
high  vocation. 

Thou  hast  revealed  thyself  to  us  as  the  Creator 
and  Ruler  of  heaven  and  of  earth,  in  whom  we  and 
all  other  beings  live  and  move,  and  in  whose  hands 
our  times  and  our  fates  are  reposed. — Help  us,  there- 
fore, to  venerate  thee  with  the  deepest  humility,  to 
be  always  sensible  of  thy  majesty  and  power,  to  sub- 
ject ourselves  to  thee  with  obedient  hearts,  to  remem- 
ber our  entire  dependance  upon  thy  will,  and  to  look 
up  to  thee  alone  for  temporal  and  eternal  happiness. 

Thou  hast  made  us  acquainted  with  thy  character, 
as  the  omnipresent  and  omniscient,  the  holy  and 
righteous  God,  to  whom  the  thoughts  of  all  are  per- 
fectly known,  who  continually  beholds  both  the  evil 
and  the  good,  who  is  able  to  save  or  to  destroy,  and 
who  will  not  fail  to  reward  or  punish  men  according 
to  the  state  of  their  hearts  and  the  tenour  of  their 
lives. — Grant,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee,  that  under 
the  influence  of  such  views  of  thy  perfections,  we 
may  walk  before  thee  with  holy  care,  dread  and 
fly  from  every  secret  sin,  cherish  a  sacred  regard  to 
thine  authority  at  all  times  and  in  all  places,  zealously 
strive  to  perform  whatever  thou  commandest,  prefer 
thy  friendship  and  approbation  to  every  other  object, 
and  never  despond  whilst  thou  the  Lord  God  omni- 
potent art  with  us. 

Thou  hast  taught  us  to  contemplate  thee  as  a  gra- 
cious and  merciful  Father,  delighting  to  do  good  to  thy 
children,  exercising  forbearance  towards  our  infirmi- 
ties, and  pardoning  those  who  renounce  their  transgres- 
sions and  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  spirit. 
Dispose  us,  by  such  considerations,  to  love  thee  su- 
premely, to  rejoice  in  thee  evermore,  to  adore  theii 
with  filial  confidence,    and   to    commit   our   bodiev 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  29 

and  souls  to  thee  with  immovable  tranquillity  and 
hope. 

Thou  hast  given  us  thy  beloved  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
to  be  the  light  of  the  world,  the  conductor  of  our 
souls  in  the  path  of  righteousness  and  peace,  the 
Mediator  between  us  and  thee,  the  Redeemer  who  is 
able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost  and  to  raise  his  fol- 
lowers to  his  own  honour  and  felicity. — Grant,  O  God, 
that  we  may  fully  realize  the  worth  of  his  gospel,  and 
profess  it  openly  before  the  world.  May  we  rejoice 
in  his  doctrines,  death,  and  resurrection,  and  entertain 
the  strongest  trust  in  his  promises.  May  we  place 
ourselves  under  his  direction  and  guidance,  keep  his 
character  continually  before  our  eyes,  and  look  unto 
him  in  life  and  in  death  as  the  author  and  finisher  of 
our  faith. 

Almighty  God,  thou  hast  connected  us  together  in 
a  state  of  society  by  the  tenderest  ties,  and  appointed 
us  to  instruct,  to  counsel,  to  encourage,  to  relieve,  to 
console,  and  to  support  one  another. — May  we  ever 
take  pleasure  in  promoting  the  welfare  and  cheering 
the  minds  of  our  fellow-travellers  to  eternity.  May 
we  always  cordially  love  our  friends,  and  forgive 
and  do  good  to  our  enemies,  persecutors,  and  slan- 
derers. May  we  faithfully  serve  one  another  with 
the  talents  and  possessions,  which  thou  hast  confided 
to  us  as  thy  stewards.  May  we  feel  and  act  as 
brethren,  the  servants  of  one  common  Master,  the 
children  of  the  same  Father  in  heaven,  the  heirs  of 
the  same  blessings  beyond  the  grave. 

Thou  hast  ordained,  that,  after  a  short  pilgrimage 
on  earth,  our  bodies  shall  die  and  our  spirits  ascend 
unto  thee  their  Maker.  Thou  hast  taught  us,  that 
we  shall  all  be  placed  before  the  judgment-seat  of 
Jesus  Christ,  that  men  shall  reap  what  they  have  sown 
on  earth,  and  that  an  endless  duration  awaits  each  one 
of  us. — 0  God  !  may  we  never  boast  of  to-morrow,  nor 


30  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

delay  the  performance  of  the  work  which  thou  hast 
given  us  to  do,  nor  attach  ourselves  immoderately  to 
this  world.  May  the  thought  of  death  and  judgment 
lead  us  to  frequent  and  serious  self-examination,  and 
preserve  us  from  engaging  in  vain  and  criminal  pur- 
suits. May  it  be  our  first  concern,  to  be  found  faith- 
ful by  thee,  to  improve  and  exalt  the  faculties  of  our 
immortal  souls,  to  lay  up  treasures  in  heaven,  to  keep 
our  loins  girt  and  our  lamps  burning,  and  to  hold  our- 
selves in  constant  readiness  for  the  coming  of  the 
great  God  and  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

May  every  truth  of  religion  be  rendered  impressive 
to  our  minds,  and  duly  influence  us  in  all  we  think 
and  feel,  and  say  and  do ;  that,  forgetting  the  things 
which  are  behind,  we  may  press  forward  continually  to 
the  mark  of  our  high  calling,  and  obtain  the  prize  of 
eternal  life,  which  thy  grace  is  about  to  bestow  upon 
thy  faithful  servants. 

Almighty  God,  thou  art  the  Father  of  all  mankind. 
To  the  protection  and  blessing  of  thy  Providence  we 
commend  all  our  brethren,  the  high  and  the  low,  the 
rich  and  the  poor;  beseeching  thee  to  enable  them  to 
discharge  their  respective  duties,  and  to  enjoy  con- 
tentedly whatever  thou  bestowest  on  them. 

May  our  rulers  and  the  rulers  of  all  communities 
and  nations  be  duly  sensible  of  thy  sovereign  authority, 
and  of  the  rights  of  those  by  whom  thy  are  entrusted 
with  the  weighty  charge  of  government ;  obey  thee  in 
all  humility ;  and  exercise  their  power  with  wisdom, 
fidelity,  and  clemency. 

May  all  who  are  subject  to  lawful  authority,  set  a 
just  value  on  the  blessings  of  good  government,  con- 
tribute their  several  parts  towards  the  public  order  and 
happiness,  and  conscientiously  fulfil  their  obligations. 

Bless  the  rich,  O  Lord,  with  a  disposition  to  do 
good.  Teach  the  poor  to  be  sober,  honest,  industri- 
ous, and  contented  with  their  lot.     Help  all  who  suf- 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  31 

for  distress  to  rejoice  in  the  discoveries  of  thy  word, 
and  to  commit  themselves  to  thy  keeping,  in  patience 
and  wx-ll-doing.  Lead  all  classes  of  men  amongst  us 
to  labour  in  their  vocations  with  integrity,  diligence, 
and  zeal.  And  grant,  that,  by  constantly  obeying 
thy  laws,  by  mutually  exercising  equity  and  kindness, 
we  and  all  our  fellow-creatures  may  enjoy  the  bless- 
ings which  thou  givest  us  in  this  world,  and  be  trained 
up  for  the  participation  of  endless  felicity  in  the  world 
to  come,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  who  art  infi- 
nitely exalted  above  every  created  being  !  we  rejoice 
that  we  are  permitted  to  raise  our  thoughts  unto  thee, 
and  to  call  thee  our  Father.  We  adore  thee  as  the 
Parent  of  angels  and  of  men,  and  praise  thee  for  the 
gracious  care  with  which  thou  providest  for  our  tem- 
poral and  spiritual  welfare.  And  we  pray,  that  we 
may  be  animated  with  a  spirit  of  filial  piety,  that  we 
may  delight  in  the  contemplation  of  thy  character 
and  government,  and  call  upon  thee  at  all  times  with 
that  cheerfulness  and  confidence,  with  which  affec- 
tionate children  approach  a  kind  and  indulgent  Parent. 

Grant,  for  this  purpose,  we  beseech  thee,  that  we 
and  all  our  fellow-men  may  see  thee  more  and  more 
perfectly  as  thou  art,  and  entertain  worthy  concep- 
tions of  thy  nature,  goverment,  and  will. 

May  that  pure  and  undefiled  religion,  which  Jesus 
taught,  and  which  is  the  fountain  of  all  our  knowledge 
of  thee,  be  universally  diffused,  received,  obeyed,  and 
demonstrated  to  be  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation 
to  all  who  sincerely  believe  it.  Under  its  influence, 
may  thy  laws  be  fulfilled  with  alacrity  and  pleasure  ; 
and  all  thy  rational  creatures  on  earth  emulate  the 


32  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

zeal  and  devotion  of  angels  and  good  men  made  per- 
fect. 

Thou  alone  knowest,  great  God,  what  measure 
of  health  and  prosperity  is  good  for  man  all  the  days 
of  his  life  on  earth.  Bestow  upon  us,  we  beseech 
thee,  what  thy  wisdom  sees  to  be  necessary.  Pre- 
serve us  from  anxious  cares  and  restless  desires. 
Teach  us  to  moderate  our  attachment  to  the  world, 
to  be  content  with  our  lot,  and  to  be  thankful  for  the 
blessings  which  we  receive  from  thy  liberal  hand. 

We  confess  that  we  are  unprofitable  servants,  that 
we  have  not  deserved  thy  favours,  and  that  we  have 
often  offended  against  thy  holy  commandments.  But 
we  implore  from  thee,  who  delightest  to  show  com- 
passion unto  the  contrite,  the  remission  of  all  our 
errors  and  sins,  upon  the  gracious  terms  proposed  in 
thy  gospel.  Incline  our  hearts,  by  a  lively  sense  of 
our  many  frailties  and  of  our  great  need  of  thy  mercy, 
to  forgive  and  do  good  to  those  who  may  injure  us. 
And  as  we  are  conscious  of  our  own  weakness,  we 
entreat  thee,  the  Governor  of  the  Universe,  to  place 
us  in  circumstances  favourable  to  our  improvement. 
Assist  us  to  shun  the  snares  and  temptations  of  vice, 
to  avail  ourselves  of  every  means  of  grace,  to  fight 
the  good  fight  of  faith,  to  watch,  to  pray,  and  to  be 
sober,  to  take  up  the  cross  and  deny  ourselves,  fol- 
lowing our  great  Saviour  and  Example  with  fidelity 
and  constancy. 

Finally,  we  pray,  that  we  and  all  our  fellow-men 
may  be  enabled  to  bear  whatever  afflictions  thou 
sendest  us,  and  that  in  thine  own  good  season  we 
may  be  delivered  from  every  sorrow  and  distress. 
Deliver  the  nations  from  all  ignorance,  injustice, 
tyranny,  and  bloodshed.  Deliver  our  country  from 
every  evil  which  we  feel  or  fear.  Deliver  the  sick 
and  the  unhappy  from  the  calamities  which  they  suf- 
fer.    Deliver  the  souls  of  the  dying  from  gloomy 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  33 

tears,  and  grant  them  an  abundant  entrance  into  the 
land  of  eternal  love  and  joy. 

We  offer  up  these  our  supplications  unto  thee  as  the 
disciples  of  thy  Son,  and  with  full  reliance  upon  his 
assurance  that  those  who  ask  with  sincerity  and  faith 
shall  receive.  Thy  power  is  equal  to  thy  goodness. 
All  things  in  heaven  and  on  earth  are  at  thy  dispo- 
sal. And  thine  be  the  honour,  the  glory,  the  grati- 
tude, and  the  praise,  for  ever  and  ever,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Mediator  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


8. 

OUR  Father  who  art  in  heaven  !  look  down  in  mercy 
upon  thy  needy  and  dependent  children,  who  have 
come  to  thine  altar  with  the  sacrifice  of  prayer  and 
thanksgiving.  We  approach  thee  with  the  persua- 
sion that  thou  art  elevated  above  all  our  praise,  and 
that  no  tribute  from  mortals  can  add  to  thy  happiness 
or  glory.  The  faculties,  with  which  we  worship 
thee,  are  thy  gift :  of  thee,  and  through  thee,  and  to 
thee,  are  all  things.  But  we  rejoice,  that,  though 
thou  art  too  great  to  need  our  offerings,  thou  art  too 
good  to  despise  them.  We  bless  thee,  that  we  are 
indulged  in  the  invaluable  honour  and  privilege  of 
spreading  our  wants  before  thee.  We  bless  thee,  that 
whilst  thou  art  superintending  the  concerns  of  ten 
thousand  worlds,  thou  condescendest  to  hear  our  sup- 
plications, and  to  number  the  very  hairs  of  our  heads. 
We  bless  thee  for  the  promise  of  thy  word,  that  thou 
wilt  be  nigh  unto  all  those  who  call  upon  thee  in  sin- 
cerity and  truth.  Fulfil  now,  O  Lord,  the  desires  and 
petitions  of  thy  servants,  as  shall  be  most  expedient 
for  them.  May  it  please  thee,  of  thine  infinite  mercy, 
to  give  us  health  of  body  and  cheerfulness  of  mind,  to 
prosper  our  honest  industry,  and  to  protect  us  from 


34  GENERAL  PRAYERS. 

danger  and  distress,  if  thine  unerring  wisdom  shall 
perceive  this  to  be  good  for  us.  Vouchsafe,  of  thine 
infinite  mercy,  to  blot  out  our  many  sins  and  iniqui- 
ties, and  to  spare  and  save  the  souls  of  thy  servants, 
who  with  unfeigned  contrition  draw  near  to  thy  throne 
through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant.  Con- 
duct us  by  thy  Spirit  and  Providence,  in  safety, 
through  this  transitory  world.  Lead  us  to  the  per- 
ception of  every  necessary  truth.  Implant  and  nou- 
rish in  our  hearts  pious  principles  and  virtuous  affec- 
tions. Sanctify  us  in  the  springs  of  action ;  assist  us 
to  govern  our  tempers  and  passions  ;  enable  us  to  live 
not  by  sight,  but  by  faith,  the  faith  of  that  Lord  who 
hath  loved  us  and  given  himself  for  us,  and  to  adorn 
our  profession  by  an  unblamable  walk,  and  conversa- 
tion. Vouchsafe  to  prepare  each  one  of  us  for  our 
respective  situations,  circumstances,  and  trials.  In- 
cline the  young,'  O  God,  to  cultivate  a  sober  mind,  to 
remember  thee,  their  Creator,  Redeemer,  and  Judge, 
and  to  acquire  those  habits,  which  will  secure  their 
present  peace  and  usefulness,  and  qualify  them  for 
celestial  felicity.  Lead  those  who  have  arrived  to 
the  middle  stage  of  life,  to  labour,  while  it  is  day,  in 
thy  service,  and  for  the  benefit  of  their  fellow-men, 
before  the  night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work. 
Support  thine  aged  servants  under  all  their  infirmities, 
and  help  them  by  their  example  to  convince  the  rising 
generation,  that  religion  has  power  to  shed  comfort 
upon  the  decline  of  life,  and  to  smooth  the  passage  to 
the  tomb.  Dispose  such  as  are  possessed  of  this 
world's  goods,  to  enjoy  them  with  a  temperate  and 
thankful  soul,  and  to  be  ready  to  distribute  their  trea- 
sures for  the  relief  of  the  necessitous.  Inspire  the 
poor  and  the  afflicted  with  submission  and  hope,  and 
assist  them  to  secure  themselves  unfading  riches  be- 
yond the  grave.  Grant,  that,  as  parents  or  children, 
as  masters  or  servants,  as  members  of  families  and 


GENERAL  PRAYERS.  35 

citizens  of  the  state,  we  may  discharge  our  obliga- 
tions with  diligence  and  care,  and  shine  as  lights  in 
thy  church  on  earth.  While  we  are  fervent  in  spirit 
and  zealous  of  good  works,  may  we  possess  that  peace 
which  the  world  is  unable  to  give,  and  go  on  our  way 
rejoicing.  In  every  situation  in  which  we  shall  be 
placed,  may  it  be  our  chief  care  to  be  found  doing 
justly,  loving  mercy,  walking  humbly  before  thee  the 
Lord  our  God,  following  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ, 
and  seeking  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  In  joy  and  sor- 
row, in  life  and  death,  may  our  souls  be  stayed  upon 
thee,  and  triumph  in  the  assurance  of  thy  love  and 
of  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 

These  blessings,  which  we  solicit  for  ourselves, 
we  beseech  thee,  Father  of  mercies,  to  extend  unto 
all  our  brethren,  and  finally  to  receive  them  and  us 
into  the  mansions  of  everlasting  life  and  bliss,  through 
thy  rich  and  free  grace  in  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our 
Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


SECTION  III. 

FIVE  PRAYERS  FOR  FESTIVAL  OCCA- 
SIONS. 

1 

FOR    CHRISTMAS-DAY. 

0  GOD,  the  Creator,  Benefactor,  and  Father  of 
mankind !  thou  art  worthy  of  universal  and  everlast- 
ing adoration.  Thou  art  the  perfection  of  all  excel- 
lency, and  the  source  of  all  happiness.  All  thy 
works  praise  thee,  and  all  thy  saints  bless  thy  name. 
We  would  come  before  thee,  O  Lord,  to  acknow- 
ledge with  reverence  and  gratitude,  that  the  whole 
45 


36  PRAYERS    FOR 

creation  is  full  of  thy  goodness,  that  every  part  of  our 
lives  has  been  marked  by  thine  indulgence,  that  day 
after  day  thou  art  multiplying  fresh  favours  upon  us. 
But  especially  would  we  thank  thee  for  those  un- 
speakable mysteries  of  wisdom  and  benevolence,  of 
which  we  are  reminded  this  festive  day.  Herein  is 
love :  not  that  we  had  loved  thee,  O  God,  but  that 
thou  didst  so  love  us,  as  to  send  thy  Son  to  be  the 
propitiation  for  our  sins. 

Adoration  and  praise  be  given  to  thee,  that,  when 
darkness  had  overspread  the  earth  and  gross  darkness 
the  people,  when  superstition  and  idolatry  prevailed, 
and  when  error  and  vice  seemed  to  triumph  over 
truth  and  righteousness,  thou  didst  graciously  inter- 
pose in  behalf  of  thy  degenerate  offspring,  and  raise 
up  for  them  a  Saviour,  able  to  help  and  mighty  to 
deliver.  Adoration  and  praise  be  given  to  thee, 
that,  through  his  mediation  and  gospel,  light  and  par- 
don, and  power  and  peace,  and  everlasting  felicity 
are  offered,  in  thy  name,  to  the  rebellious  children  of 
men.  Adoration  and  praise  be  given  to  thee,  that 
the  divinity  of  his  mission  and  character  has  been  es- 
tablished by  the  most  decisive  evidence,  and  that  none 
who  trust  in  him  shall  ever  be  confounded.  O,  who 
can  express  the  greatness  of  thy  compassion,  or  suf- 
ficiently admire  thy  wonderful  arrangements  for  our 
redemption  and  happiness ! 

God  of  mercy,  let  it  please  thee  to  add  grace 
to  grace.  Help  us  to  contemplate  the  matchless 
event  we  are  commemorating,  with  all  those  affec- 
tions which  its  importance  demands.  Pour  out,  thy- 
self, into  our  hearts  that  gratitude  to  thee  and  to  thy 
blessed  Son,  which  shall  prompt  the  most  ardent 
devotion  to  thy  service,  and  render  our  whole  exis- 
tence one  continued  song  of  thanksgiving.  Assist  us 
to  form  right  conceptions  of  the  design  of  the  Mes- 
siah's advent.    Convince  us  of  our  own  need  of  this 


FESTIVAL    OCCASIONS.  37 

astonishing  dispensation  of  mercy.  Awaken  us  to 
avail  ourselves  with  alacrity  and  zeal  of  the  assistance 
which  it  imparts,  and  to  obtain  the  happiness  to  which 
it  is  intended  to  conduct  us.  While  with  gladness  of 
heart  we  exclaim,  "  Blessed  is  he  that  cometh  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,"  may  we  receive  his  gospel  with 
lively  faith ;  learn  of  him  as  the  great  prophet  of  God ; 
bow  down  to  his  authority  as  the  head  over  all  things 
to  the  church  :  depend  on  him  as  the  captain  of  sal- 
vation :  follow  him  as  our  leader  to  the  skies ;  and 
rely  with  implicit  confidence  upon  his  promises.  May 
it  be  our  great  concern  to  grow  continually  in  the 
knowledge  of  his  holy  gospel,  to  be  redeemed  through 
him  from  all  corruption  and  iniquity,  to  glorify  his 
name  by  our  walk  and  conversation,  to  advocate  his 
cause  and  advance  his  kingdom,  to  realize  the  fulness 
of  consolation  and  hope  found  in  his  word.  And  may 
we  be  enabled,  under  all  the  changes  and  trials  of 
life,  in  some  good  degree,  to  comprehend  the  breadth 
and  length,  and  depth  and  height  of  that  love  of  God 
and  Christ,  which  passeth  knowledge. 

Parent  of  all  compassion,  who  didst  send  thine  only- 
begotten  Son,  to  be  a  light  to  lighten  the  Gentiles  and 
the  glory  of  thy  people  Israel :  grant,  we  beseech 
thee,  that  the  good  tidings  of  great  joy,  in  which  we 
exult  this  day,  may  be  communicated  to  every  tribe 
of  Adam's  race ;  and  that  all  our  fellow-men  may 
say  with  exultation,  Unto  us  this  child  is  born,  unto 
us  this  son  is  given  !  Under  the  reign  of  the  Prince 
of  peace,  may  the  righteous  flourish,  and  harmony 
and  concord  universally  prevail.  May  all  who  pro- 
fess themselves  Christians,  arise  and  shine,  since  the 
glory  of  the  Lord  is  risen  upon  them.  And  may  they 
be  taught  to  say  in  sincerity  and  truth,  "  If  God  so 
loved  us,  we  ought  also  to  love  one  another." 

O  Thou,  who  art  abundant  in  goodness  and  pity, 
accept  our  petitions  for  the  relief  of  the  sorrowful  and 


38  PRAYERS  FOR 

unhappy.  Looking  up  to  thy  throne  this  day,  may 
they  be  ransomed  from  every  foe  and  every  fear. 
Bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  and  proclaim  liberty  to 
the  captives.  Give  to  them  that  mourn  beauty  for 
ashes,  and  the  garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of 
heaviness.  And  assist  all  the  contrite  to  cast  away 
their  burdens,  and  with  the  spirit  of  adoption  in  their 
souls  to  cry,  Abba,  Father. 

We  offer  up  these  our  sacrifices,  O  God,  in  the  name 
and  as  the  disciples  of  thy  beloved  Son,  through  whom 
we  have  boldness  to  draw  near  to  thy  throne.  And 
we  pray,  that  at  his  second  appearance  in  glorious  ma- 
jesty to  finish  our  salvation,  we,  with  all  his  redeemed, 
may  be  received  into  thy  blissful  presence,  and  sing 
the  triumphs  of  thy  grace  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


2. 

FOR  THE  BEGINNING  OF  A  NEW  YEAR. 

O  GOD,  our  heavenly  Father  !  we  lift  up  our  soul* 
to  thee,  the  King  eternal,  immortal,  and  invisible. 
We  rejoice,  that  thou  hast  been  the  refuge  of  thy  ser- 
vants in  all  generations ;  and  that  from  everlasting  to 
everlasting  thou  art  the  same,  unchangeable  in  power 
and  wisdom,  and  rectitude,  and  goodness.  Our  days 
areas  a  hand-breadth,  and  our  age  is  as  nothing  be- 
fore thee :  but  in  this  would  we  glory,  that  we  are  thy 
charge,  and  that  all  the  happiness  of  those  is  perfectly 
secure,  who  know  thy  name  and  put  their  trust  in  thee. 
We  adore  thee  as  the  author  of  our  being,  the  giver 
and  the  preserver  of  our  comforts.  It  is  thy  might 
by  which  we  have  been  sustained :  it  is  of  thy  mercy 
that  we  are  not  consumed.  Thy  compassions  fail  not ; 
they  are  new  every  morning ;  great  is  thy  faithful- 
ness. Year  after  year  thou  hast  spared  and  blessed 
us ;  not  dealing  with  us  after  our  sins,  nor  rewarding 


FESTIVAL  OCCASIONS.  39 

us  according  to  our  iniquities.  Our  afflictions  have 
been  few  in  number  and  short  in  continuance,  instruc- 
tive in  their  nature  and  benevolent  in  their  design. 
And,  O,  what  a  series  of  bounties  and  favours  present 
themselves  to  our  view,  when  we  look  back  upon  the 
year  that  is  completed,  and  upon  all  the  successive 
portions  of  our  existence  !  Our  health  and  strength, 
our  food  and  raiment,  our  friends  and  relations,  our 
comforts  and  pleasures,  our  preservation  from  any 
sin,  our  ability  to  do  aught  of  good,  the  discoveries 
and  encouragements  of  thy  word,  with  all  our  means 
of  improvement,  and  all  our  hopes  of  glory  through 
the  Son  of  thy  love, — have  all  been  supplied  by  thy 
paternal  hand,  have  all  flowed  from  thine  unmerited 
grace.  There  has  not  been  a  day,  an  hour,  a  mo- 
ment, but  has  published  thy  kindness  and  thy  care. 
Not  unto  us,  0  Lord !  but  to  thy  holy  name,  be  all 
the  praise ! 

O  that  every  moment  of  the  past  year  had  been 
a  witness  to  our  gratitude,  love,  and  obedience,  as  it 
has  been  a  monument  of  thy  long-suffering  and  in- 
dulgence !  To  thee  belong  glory  and  honour,  but  to 
us  shame  and  confusion  of  face.  How  many  duties 
have  we  neglected  !  How  little  have  wre  profited  by 
the  talents  and  opportunities  that  have  been  granted 
us !  With  how  many  errors  do  our  own  consciences 
upbraid  us  !  And  how  many  more  must  have  been 
noticed  by  thine  all-seeing  eye  !  Who  can  tell  how 
oft  he  offendeth  !  God  be  merciful  to  us  sinners ! 
O  cease  not,  we  pray  thee,  to  spare,  to  forgive,  to 
bless  us.  Suffer  us  not  to  carry  one  of  our  old  sins 
with  us  into  the  new  year,  unforgiven,  unlamented, 
unforsaken.  With  a  new  portion  of  time,  may  we 
have  new  hearts  and  become  new  creatures.  May 
the  remainder  of  our  existence  on  earth  be  wisely 
spent,  and  be  rendered  more  fruitful,  than  the  past  of 
Christian  sentiments,  affections,  resolutions,  and  deeds. 
45* 


40  PRAYERS  FOR 

May  we  be  assisted  habitually  to  remember  our  exalt- 
ed destination,  to  realize  how  frail  we  are,  to  bear  in 
mind  the  uncertainty  of  life,  the  solemnity  of  death, 
the  awfulness  of  judgment,  the  retributions  of  eternity. 
And  may  we  be  thereby  effectually  excited  to  perform 
whatsoever  our  hand  shall  find  to  do,  to  press  forward 
in  the  path  to  heaven,  and  by  patient  continuance  in 
piety  and  virtue  to  seek  for  immortality  and  joy. 

Holy  Father  !  prepare  us  thyself  for  all  the  duties 
of  the  year,  continually  imparting  the  wisdom  and  the 
strength  we  shall  need,  and  assisting  us  to  seek  them 
from  thee.  Fit  us,  we  pray  thee,  for  all  that  the  fu- 
ture may  bring.  We  know  not,  what  a  day  may  pro- 
duce; but  we  would  encourage  ourselves  and  go  for- 
ward, casting  our  burdens  upon  thee.  Thus  far  thou 
hast  been  our  helper,  and  we  will  rely  upon  thy  pro- 
mise not  to  leave  or  forsake  us.  If  we  are  indulged 
with  prosperity,  may  it  render  us  more  grateful  and 
generous,  and  be  enjoyed  with  Christian  temperance 
and  moderation.  If  we  are  exercised  with  adversity, 
may  we  not  sink  in  the  hour  of  trouble,  or  offend 
against  thee,  but  trust  in  thy  wisdom  and  goodness. 
If  those  we  love  are  continued  unto  us,  may  we  love 
them  as  heirs  of  eternal  life,  and  hold  them  at  thy 
disposal.  If  they  are  recalled  from  us,  may  we  resign 
them  calmly  to  thee,  and  anticipate  the  re-union  of  the 
just  in  heaven.  If  we  ourselves  shall  hear  the  sum- 
mons of  death,  or  shall  be  unexpectedly  cut  off  from 
the  world,  may  we  be  found  ready  for  the  call,  fit  for 
our  Lord's  appearance,  and  meet  for  the  inheritance 
of  the  saints.  In  every  event,  may  we  be  engaged 
in  doing  justice,  loving  mercy,  walking  humbly 
before  thee,  and  setting  our  hearts  upon  heaven. 

Most  merciful  God,  visit  with  the  tokens  of  thy  love 
all  for  whom  it  is  our  duty  to  pray.  Multiply  thy 
grace  and  peace  upon  our  connexions  and  friends. 
Prosper  thy  work  in  this  religious  society.     Bless  all 


FESTIVAL  OCCASIONS.  41 

thy  ministers  and  churches.  Smile  upon  the  aged  and 
the  young,  the  rich  and  the  poor.  Protect  our  coun- 
try in  its  important  interests,  and  direct  our  rulers  and 
magistrates.  Watch  over  the  cause  of  truth  and 
righteousness  throughout  our  world.  And  let  this  be 
a  year  of  deliverance  to  the  oppressed,  of  consolation 
to  the  afflicted,  of  peace  to  the  nations,  of  wide  diffu- 
sion to  thy  gospel,  of  unfeigned  repentance  to  the 
careless  and  the  vicious,  and  of  joyful  progress  in  faith, 
and  love,  and  hope,  to  all  upright  souls.  And  unto 
thee,  who  art  able  to  do  exceeding  abundantly  above 
all  that  we  ask  or  think,  be  glory,  by  Christ  Jesus, 
throughout  all  ages.     Amen. 


3. 

FOR  GOOD  FRIDAY. 

O  THOU,  whose  name  alone  is  Jehovah,  and  who 
art  most  high  over  all  the  earth :  wherewith  shall  we 
come  before  thee1?  Frail,  sinful,  guilty  as  we  are, 
how  shall  we  dare  to  approach  thee,  but  through  the 
blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  and  with  humble 
reliance  on  that  mercy  which  is  an  essential  property 
of  thy  nature? 

Adored  be  thy  name,  that  thou  art  revealed  to  us 
as  the  Parent  of  compassion  and  the  God  of  all  grace. 
Adored  be  thy  name  for  every  display  of  thy  good- 
ness in  the  stores  of  nature  and  in  the  cares  of  pro- 
vidence. Adored  be  thy  name,  above  all,  for  the 
astonishing  institutions  thou  hast  founded  for  the  in- 
struction of  our  minds,  the  salification  of  our  hearts, 
and  the  salvation  of  our  souls.  Adored  be  thy  name, 
that  thou  hast  not  spared  even  thine  own  Son,  the 
brightness  of  thy  glory,  but  hast  delivered  him  up 
for  us  all.  Adored  be  thy  name,  that  although  he 
was  rich,  yet  for  our  sakes  he  became  poor,  endured 


42  PRAYERS  FOR 

the  contradiction  of  sinners,  and  was  obedient  unto 
death,  even  the  death  of  the  cross.  Adored  be  thy 
name,  that  by  him  thou  art  reconciling  the  world  unto 
thyself;  that  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins ;  that 
his  blood  cleanseth  from  every  stain  of  pollution ; 
that  the  path  to  heaven  is  fully  disclosed ;  and  that 
none  who  come  to  thee  in  the  appointed  way,  wilt 
thou  ever  cast  out. 

Great  God,  assist  us  to  meditate  upon  the  wonders 
of  redemption  with  all  the  sentiments,  emotions,  and 
resolves  that  befit  beings  so  highly  favoured.  May 
we  look  up  unto  thee  and  to  thine  only  Son  with  fer- 
vent thankfulness,  holy  joy,  delightful  admiration. 
May  we  dismiss  from  our  minds  every  doubt  of  thy 
propitiousness  to  the  penitent.  May  we  view,  in  the 
offering  which  Jesus  brought  to  thee,  the  evil  and 
malignity  of  sin,  the  value  of  the  immortal  spirit,  and 
thine  unspeakable  concern  for  our  felicity.  May  the 
hearts  which  thou  art  so  tenderly  drawing  to  thyself) 
be  effectually  won;  and  under  the  constraining  in- 
fluence of  such  benignity,  be  entirely  consecrated  to 
thy  service.  May  we  be  quickened  to  fly  to  the  hope 
to  which  we  are  called,  to  build  upon  the  foundation 
which  thou  hast  laid,  to  drink  of  the  fountain  which 
thou  hast  opened.  May  we  be  empowered  ever  here- 
after to  live,  not  unto  ourselves,  but  to  him  who  died 
for  us  and  rose  again.  May  we  abhor  the  thought 
of  offending  against  thee,  because  thy  grace  abounds; 
and  daily  recollect,  that  with  thee  there  is  forgiveness 
that  thou  mayest  be  feared.  Planted  together  in  the 
likeness  of  Christ's  death,  may  we  learn  of  him  to 
overcome  the  world,  and  follow  him  in  every  part  of 
his  example.  May  we  imbibe  his  zeal  for  thine 
honour,  his  confidence  in  thy  care,  his  affection  for 
his  brethren,  his  fidelity  to  his  friends,  his  forgiveness 
of  his  enemies,  his  purity,  and  fortitude,  and  meekness, 
and  submission.     Like  him,  under  all  the  sufferings 


FESTIVAL    OCCASIONS.  43 

of  life,  may  each  of  us  say,  Father,  not  my  will,  but 
thy  will  lie  done.  Like  him,  may  we  prosecute  the 
work  assigned  to  us  with  steadfastness,  unawed  by  the 
frowns  of  the  wicked,  unaffected  by  the  allurements 
of  sloth  and  pleasure.  Like  him,  in  our  approaches 
to  the  grave,  may  we  without  a  fear  commit  our 
spirits  into  thy  hands,  and  anticipate  the  glory  which 
is  about  to  be  revealed. 

Almighty  God,  by  whose  grace  thy  blessed  Son 
tasted  death  for  every  man  :  have  mercy  upon  the 
whole  human  family.  As  thou  hast  made  him  an 
offering  for  sin,  may  he  see  of  the  travail  of  his  soul, 
and  be  satisfied.  By  his  knowledge,  may  he  justify 
many.  And  having  been  lifted  up  from  the  earth, 
may  he  draw  all  men  unto  him  and  bring  them  to 
glory. 

May  those  who  are  too  obdurate  to  be  subdued  by 
terror,  be  melted  by  love  and  gained  by  confidence. 
May  none  who  are  desirous  of  returning  to  thee,  be 
discouraged  by  the  fear  of  rejection.  May  all  that 
are  mourning  over  their  transgressions  with  godly 
sorrow,  look  up  to  thee  through  the  mediation  of  thy 
Son,  and  be  comforted.  May  the  sons  and  daughters 
of  affliction,  whatever  cross  they  are  appointed  to  bear, 
see  him  carrying  a  cross  much  heavier,  and  be  enabled 
to  sustain  it  without  a  murmur.  May  such  as  can 
labour  for  the  welfare  of  others,  resemble  that  Re- 
deemer, who,  for  the  joy  which  was  set  before  him, 
denied  himself  and  went  about  doing  good.  May 
all  who  preach,  and  all  who  hear  of  Christ  and  him 
crucified,  love  his  name,  live  to  his  honour,  and  tri- 
umph in  his  salvation. 

And  when  he,  who  made  himself  of  no  reputation, 
and  underwent  for  us  the  horrors  of  crucifixion,  shall 
come  in  his  glory,  and  all  the  holy  angels  with  him, 
may  we  be  enabled  to  say,  Even  so,  come,  Lord 
Jesus.     And  unto  him  that  hath  loved  us,  and  washed 


44  PRAYERS   FOR 

us  from  our  sins  in  his  own  blood,  be  glory  and 
dominion,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


4. 

FOR  EASTER  SUNDAY. 

INFINITELY  great  and  gracious  God,  who  art, 
and  wast,  and  wilt  be  from  eternity  to  eternity  ! 
What  is  man,  that  thou  art  mindful  of  him ;  or  the  son 
of  man,  that  thou  visitest  him  %  We  will  come  into 
thy  gates  with  thanksgiving,  and  into  thy  courts  with 
praise.  This  is  the  day  which  thou  hast  made  :  we 
will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it. 

Glory  be  to  thee,  that  thou  didst  make  man  but  a 
little  lower  than  the  angels,  form  him  after  thine  own 
image,  and  place  him  on  earth,  that  he  might  behold 
thy  works  and  partake  of  thy  bounty.  Glory  be  to 
thee,  that  thou  art  guiding  and  guarding  him  from  the 
beginning  to  the  conclusion  of  his  pilgrimage,  and 
numbering  even  the  hairs  of  his  head.  Glory  be  to 
thee,  that  thou  hast  called  him  unto  knowledge,  piety 
and  virtue,  and  opened  before  him  an  endless  career 
of  improvement  and  felicity.  Glory  be  to  thee,  that 
the  Son  of  thy  love  was  manifested,  not  only  to  put 
away  sin  by  the  sacrifice  of  himself  but  to  bring  life 
and  immortality  to  light,  and  to  open  the  kingdom  of 
heaven  to  all  believers  in  his  name.  Glory  be  to 
thee,  that  thou  didst  not  suffer  thy  Holy  One  to  see 
corruption,  but  didst  give  him  the  victory  over  death 
and  the  grave,  that  our  faith  and  hope  might  be  com- 
pletely established.  Glory  be  to  thee,  that  by  his 
resurrection  from  the  tomb  his  innocence  is  vindicated, 
his  claims  approved ;  that  instead  of  the  crown  of 
thorns,  he  now  wears  a  crown  of  glory ;  that  he  reigns 
for  ever  at  thy  right  hand  .;  that  he  is  appointed  to 
lead  his  followers  unto  living  fountains  of  water ;  and 


FESTIVAL  OCCASIONS.  45 

that  where  he  is,  they  shall  be  with  him  in  blessedness 
everlasting. 

.Most  merciful  God !  forgive,  we  beseech  thee,  the 
errors  and  trangressions,  by  which  we  have  made 
ourselves  unworthy  of  such  infinite  condescension, 
such  unutterable  goodness.  Assist  us  to  rejoice 
with  the  whole  soul  in  that  precious  gospel,  which 
dissipates  every  doubt,  converts  fear  into  rapture, 
and  sets  full  in  our  view  the  path  of  life.  Whilst  we 
praise  thee,  that  Jesus  was  delivered  for  our  offences 
and  raised  again  for  our  justification,  0  quicken  us 
together  with  him,  that  we  may  walk  in  newness  of 
life  ;  dead  indeed  unto  sin,  but  alive  unto  thee.  Ex- 
ulting in  that  inestimable  hope,  to  which  thou  hast 
begotten  us  according  to  thine  abundant  mercy  by 
the  resurrection  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  hope  of  an  in- 
heritance incorruptible  and  undefiled, — may  we  pu- 
rify ourselves  even  as  he  is  pure,  seek  those  things 
which  are  above,  and  lay  up  many  treasures  in 
heaven.  Amidst    the    temptations    and    discour- 

agements we  shall  experience,  may  we  be  steadfast 
and  immovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the 
Lord ;  inasmuch  as  we  know,  that  our  labour  is  not 
in  vain  in  the  Lord.  Whatever  comforts  thou  shalt 
send  us,  may  they  be  heightened  by  the  reflection, 
that  they  are  a  foretaste  of  yet  greater  and  more  en- 
during joys.  In  all  the  afflictions  of  life,  and  in  the 
decay  of  nature,  may  we  be  enabled  to  realize  with 
humble  and  holy  confidence,  that  our  Redeemer 
liveth.  When  we  are  called  to  mourn  over  the  loss 
of  dear  and  valued  friends,  may  we  be  cheered  by 
the  thought,  that  those  who  sleep  in  Jesus,  will  God 
bring  with  him.  And  when  we  ourselves  shall  be 
summoned  away  from  the  world,  may  it  be  ours  to 
say,  O  death,  where  is  thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where  is 
thy  victory  ?  Thanks  be  to  God,  who  giveth  us  the 
victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ-, 


46  PRAYERS  FOR 

O  God,  whose  mighty  power  discomfited  the 
powers  of  darkness,  and  for  the  suffering  of  death 
crowned  the  Captain  of  our  salvation  with  glory  and 
honour  :  give  him,  we  pray  thee,  the  heathen  for  his 
inheritance,  and  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  for 
his  possession.  May  all  his  enemies  be  put  under  his 
feet,  and  all  ungodliness  and  wickedness  be  subdued. 
As  thou  hast  appointed  a  day  in  which  thou  wilt  judge 
the  world  in  righteousness,  and  hast  given  assurance 
of  it  unto  all  men,  in  that  thou  hast  raised  Christ  Je- 
sus from  the  dead  :  may  all  in  every  land  prepare 
with  diligence  and  zeal  for  the  account  which  he 
shall  demand,  and  become  qualified  for  admission  into 
his  heavenly  kingdom. 

God  of  all  peace  and  comfort,  regard,  we  pray  thee, 
in  compassion,  all  that  are  undergoing  the  changes 
and  trials  of  this  fleeting  world  ;  all  that  are  oppress- 
ed by  lawless  might ;  all  that  are  suffering  for  truth 
and  conscience'  sake ;  all  that  are  beset  by  tempta- 
tions to  sin;  all  that  are  sinking  under  the  weight 
of  disease ;  all  that  tremble  in  the  contemplation 
of  the  grave;  all  that  are  entering  into  the  valley 
of  the  shadow  of  death.  May  Christ  be  in  them  the 
hope  of  glory.  And  at  his  appearing,  may  the  trial 
of  their  faith  be  found  unto  praise  and  honour. 

And  now  unto  thee  who  canst  keep  us  from  falling, 
and  hast  laid  up  for  all  thy  faithful  servants  immortal 
joys,  be  ascribed  blessing,  and  honour,  and  dominion, 
for  ever  of  ever.     Amen. 


5. 

FOR  WHIT-SUNDAY. 

O  THOU,  that  nearest  prayer,  unto  thee  shall  all 
flesh  come  !  We  desire  to  approach  thee  with  just 
convictions  of  thy  character ;  and  we  pray,  that  w© 


FESTIVAL  OCCASIONS.  47 

may  ever  cherish  such  a  persuasion  of  our  dependence 
as  shall  rouse  us  to  ascribe  to  thee  the  glory  due  to 
thy  name. 

We  adore  thee  as  an  infinitely  pure  and  intelligent 
Spirit  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  the  universe,  the 
Giver  of  life  and  knowledge,  and  power,  and  comfort, 
and  happiness.  By  thy  word.  O  Lord,  were  the  hea- 
vens made,  and  all  the  host  of  them  by  the  breath  of 
thy  mouth.  Thou  art  continually  operating  in  every 
part  of  thy  dominion,  according  to  the  counsels  of  thine 
own  understanding.  Every  good  and  every  perfect 
gift  comes  down  from  thee  :  and  without  thee,  we  are 
nothing,  and  we  can  do  nothing. 

We  bless  thee,  especially,  Almighty  God,  for  the 
rational  and  immortal  spirit  thou  hast  given  to  man, 
and  for  all  thy  care  to  advance  his  moral  and  reli- 
gious improvement.  We  bless  thee,  that  thou  hast 
not  left  thyself  without  a  witness  in  any  age.  We 
bless  thee,  that  to  the  fathers  thy  glory  was  manifest- 
ed, and  that  the  prophets  thou  didst  inspire.  We 
bless  thee,  that  in  these  last  days  thou  hast  spoken 
unto  us  by  thy  Son,  full  of  grace  and  truth,  whom 
thou  hast  appointed  heir  of  all  things.  We  bless  thee, 
that  after  he  had  died  for  our  sins,  and  risen  from  the 
dead,  and  ascended  to  heaven,  he  poured  out  upon  his 
apostles  the  promised  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  sent 
thern  forth  to  preach  his  gospel  to  the  nations  in  the 
demonstration  of  the  Spirit.  We  bless  thee,  that  by 
thine  assistance  the  word  of  the  Lord  grew  mightily, 
that  thy  church  has  been  widely  extended  and  firmly- 
established,  that  the  gates  of  hell  have  not  been  able 
to  prevail  against  it.  and  that  Christianity  has  been 
experienced  by  countless  multitudes  to  be  the  power  of 
God  unto  salvation.  We  bless  thee,  that  the  Sun  of 
righteousness  is  shining  upon  these  lands ;  and  that 
we,  whose  ancestors  were  afar  off,  have  been  brought 
nigh  to  thyself,  and  abundantly  furnished  with  all 
46 


48  PRAYERS  FOR 

things  necessary  unto  life  and  godliness.  We  bless 
thee,  that  though  the  supernatural  agency  of  thy  Spi- 
rit has  ceased,  thou  art  ever  ready  to  impart  thy 
saving  influences  and  to  bestow  the  richest  blessings 
upon  all  who  ask  and  seek  them  from  thee. 

God  of  all  grace,  preserve  us  from  ever  thinking 
lightly  of  these  things.  Make  us  sensible  of  the  im- 
portance of  that  dispensation  of  religion,  under  which 
it  is  our  privilege  to  live,  and  of  the  superiority  of  our 
advantages  to  those  enjoyed  by  many  millions  of  our 
fellow-men.  Help  us  to  humble  ourselves  before  thee 
for  all  our  past  neglect  of  the  means,  by  which  thou  art 
quickening  and  directing  upright  souls.  Awaken  our 
attention  to  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  ;  open  the  eyes 
of  our  understanding;  elevate  our  desires;  spiritualize 
our  affections  ;  and  work  within  us  both  to  will  and  to 
do  whatsoever  thou  art  pleased  to  require  at  our  hands. 
Save  us  from  ever  resisting,  grieving,  or  quench- 
ing thy  Spirit ;  and  help  us  to  bring  fcrth  more  and 
more  the  fruit  of  the  Spirit,  in  all  goodness,  and  right- 
eousness, and  truth.  In  all  the  dangers  to  which  we 
are  exposed,  vouchsafe  to  preserve  us  from  falling. 
When  through  our  blindness  we  shall  be  ready  to 
stray  from  thee,  lead  us,  thyself  in  the  path  in  which 
we  ought  to  go.  When  visited  with  distress  and 
affliction,  enable  us  to  rejoice,  that  thy  grace  is  suffi- 
cient for  us.  In  every  situation,  strengthen  us  in  the 
inner  man  by  thy  might ;  and  never,  O  Lord,  in  life 
and  in  death,  never  leave  us  nor  forsake  us. 

Holy  Father,  pour  out  the  spirit  of  grace  and  sup- 
plication upon  this  society,  upon  all  our  congregations, 
upon  every  section  of  thy  church.  Arouse  the  care- 
less, convert  the  vicious,  confirm  the  weak,  establish 
the  just.  Bless  the  ministry  of  thy  word ;  prosper 
the  exertions  of  thy  servants  for  the  dissemination  of 
its  invaluable  records  ;  and  hasten,  we  pray  thee,  the 
day,  when  every  people  shall  both  read  and  hear,  in 


FESTIVAL    OCCASIONS.  49 

their  own  tongue,  the  wonderful  works  of  God.  Grant 
that  all  professing  Christians  may  walk  worthy  of 
their  vocation,  with  all  lowliness  and  meekness,  for- 
bearing one  another  in  love,  endeavouring  to  keep 
the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace.  And 
throughout  the  earth,  let  violence  and  destruction  be 
known  no  more,  but  righteousness,  charity,  and  piety 
universally  prevail. 

O  thou,  who  givest  liberally  and  upbraidest  not,  we 
implore  thy  mercies  for  all  that  are  fainting  under  the 
sorrows  and  burdens  of  life,  for  all  that  are  tried  by 
the  temptations  or  the  terrors  of  a  corrupt  world,  for 
all  that  are  filled  with  distressful  apprehensions  of  thy 
character  and  are  led  to  despair  of  the  attainment  of 
thy  mercy.  O  let  the  strength  of  the  sufferer  be 
equal  to  his  day,  and  thy  comforts  be  plentifully  com- 
municated to  his  soul.  Help  all  that  cry  to  thee,  to 
take  unto  themselves  the  whole  armour  of  God,  and 
with  the  sword  of  the  Spirit  to  put  to  flight  every  foe. 
And,  Lord,  wherever  the  spirit  of  bondage  and  fear 
is  felt,  there  bestow  thou  the  spirit  of  adoption,  that 
thy  children  may  joyfully  say,  x\bba,  Father!  And 
to  thee,  who  art  willing  to  help  and  able  to  save,  be 
all  honour  and  glory,  on  earth  and  in  heaven,  forever 
and  ever.     Amen. 


SECTION   IV. 
SIX  PRAYERS   AFTER  SERMON. 

1 

O  GOD,  the  eternal  source  of  wisdom  and  purity, 
from  whom  all  good  couasels,  all  holy  desires,  and  all 
just  works  do  proceed ;  we  offer  up  our  prayers  unto 


60      PRAYERS  AFTER  SERMON. 

thee,  beseeching  thee,  to  sanctify  our  hearts  by  thy 
holy  word.  What  we  know  not,  teach  thou  us. 
Whatever  is  wrong  in  us,  dispose  and  enable  us  to 
reform.  Whatever  in  us  is  good,  assist  us  to  carry 
forward  to  perfection.  Grant  that  we  may  go  forth 
into  the  world  with  the  spirit  of  true  religion  in  our 
souls,  and  spend  all  our  days  in  thy  fear  and  love ; 
that  we  may  depart  from  this  scene  of  discipline, 
whenever  thou  shalt  take  us  away,  with  Christian  hope, 
and  be  admitted  into  thy  sacred  temple  above,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


ACCEPT,  O  thou  God  of  compassion,  the  thankful 
acknowledgments  of  our  hearts  for  the  privileges 
which  we  have  enjoyed  at  this  time.  Forgive  the 
imperfection  of  our  devotions  and  whatever  thy  pure 
eyes  may  have  seen  amiss  in  us.  Of  thy  great  mer- 
cy, grant  us  such  things  as  shall  be  good  for  us,  though 
we  may  neglect  to  pray  for  them ;  and  deny  us  such 
things  as  would  be  hurtful  to  us,  though  we  should 
earnestly  desire  them.  Impress  upon  our  minds  the 
solemn  counsels  of  thy  word,  and  let  not  the  cares  or 
pleasures  of  the  world  prevent  or  impair  their  efficacy. 
Help  us  to  walk  as  in  thy  sacred  presence ;  and  at 
last  vouchsafe  to  receive  us  into  glory,  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


3. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  through 
whose  infinite  goodness  we  have  been  permitted  to 
offer  up  our  united  supplications  and  to  meditate  upon 
the  interests  of  our  immortal  souls :  hear  thou  in  hea- 


PRAYERS  AFTER  SERMON.      61 

ven,  we  beseech  thee,  the  petitions  of  our  hearts,  and 
give-  thy  blessing  to  the  lessons  which  we  have  learn- 
ed, as  far  as  they  agree  with  thy  truth  in  scripture. 
Establish  our  minds  in  the  love  of  every  Christian 
ordinance  and  duty.  Grant,  that  this  house  of  prayer 
may  become  and  continue  to  us  the  gate  of  heaven, 
the  temple  of  devout  and  holy  joy,  the  refuge  of  our 
souls  from  the  trials  and  temptations  of  life,  the  school 
of  genuine  wisdom  and  virtue.  Fit  us  more  and  more 
perfectly  for  glorifying  thy  name  upon  earth,  and  for 
singing  thy  praise  in  the  mansions  of  thy  house  above, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Mediator  and  Redeemer. 
Amen. 


4. 

WE  ask  thy  blessing,  O  thou  God  of  wisdom  and  mer- 
cy !  on  the  duties,  in  which  we  have  at  this  time  been 
engaged.  Be  pleased  to  hear  our  petitions,  to  accept 
our  praises,  to  pardon  our  failings.  If  good  impres- 
sions have  been  made  on  our  hearts  : — if  our  views  of 
thy  gospel  have  been  enlarged  ; — if  any  errors  have 
been  corrected,  any  difficulties  have  been  obviated,  or 
any  doubts  removed  :  may  these  beneficial  results  ap- 
pear in  our  increased  regard  for  Christian  truth,  our 
warmer  zeal  for  Christian  virtue,  and  our  more  con- 
stant entertainment  of  Christian  hope.  Cherishing  the 
kindest  affections,  abounding  in  labours  of  love,  may 
we  have  good  reason  to  rejoice  in  each  other  as  chil- 
dren of  one  Father,  disciples  of  one  Lord,  fellow-heirs 
of  the  grace  of  life.  And  being  built  up  together  in 
holiness  and  comfort,  may  we  at  last  be  united  to  the 
blessed  society  of  heaven,  there  to  see  thy  glory  and 
to  celebrate  thy  praise  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen, 


46* 


52      PRAYERS  AFTER  SERMON. 


ETERNAL  and  all-seeing  God !  we,  thy  creatures, 
sink  into  nothing  before  thy  supreme  majesty.  We 
feel  our  weakness ;  we  acknowledge  our  folly ;  we 
would  bewail  our  sins.  We  desire  to  adore  thee  with 
deeper  veneration :  to  thank  thee  with  more  fervent 
zeal ;  to  submit  to  thee  with  greater  humility :  to  rely 
upon  thee  with  more  firmness  and  cheerfulness.  If 
our  prayers,  O  Father,  have  been  unwise,  wilt  thou 
pity  us :  if  they  have  been  presumptuous,  wilt  thou 
pardon  us  :  if  they  have  been  acceptable  to  thee,  wilt 
thou  grant  them  !  And  as  we  now  bless  thee  for  thy 
dispensations,  and  desire  to  share  in  thy  mercy  through 
Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son :  so,  in  that  future  state,  to 
which  we  reverently  hope  thy  love  will  raise  us,  may 
we,  with  all  thy  saints  and  angels,  find  our  highest 
happiness  in  praising,  honouring,  and  worshipping 
thee,  ages  without  end.     Amen. 


6. 

GRANT,  we  beseech  thee,  Almighty  God,  that  the 
words,  which  we  have  heard  this  day  with  our  out- 
ward ears,  may  be  so  grafted  inwardly  in  our  hearts, 
that  they  may  bring  forth  in  us  the  fruit  of  good  liv- 
ing, to  the  honour  and  praise  of  thy  name,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

OUR  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name,  &c.  &c. 


BENEDICTIONS.  53 

SECTION  V. 
SCRIPTURAL  BENEDICTIONS, 

FOE    THE    CONCLUSION    OF    PUBLIC    WOESHIP. 

1. 

THE  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee.  The  Lord  make 
his  face  to  shine  on  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee. 
The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  on  thee,  and  give 
thee  peace.     Amen. 

2. 

THE  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of  God 
our  heavenly  Father,  and  the  communion  of  his  holy- 
Spirit,  be  with  us  and  with  all  our  brethren  of  man- 
kind, now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


MAY  grace  and  peace  be  multiplied  unto  us  and  all 
men,  through  the  knowledge  of  God  and  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


THE  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with  us  all. 
Amen. 

5. 

THE  God  of  peace,  that  brought  again  from  the  dead 
our  Lord  Jesus,  that  great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 
through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting  covenant,  make 
us  perfect  in  every  good  work  to  do  his  will,  working  in 
us  that  which  is  well-pleasing  in  his  sight,  through 
Jesus  Christ:  to  whom  be  glory  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


54  GOSPELS  AND  EPISTLES. 

6. 

THE  God  of  all  grace,  who  hath  called  us  unto  his 
eternal  glory  by  Christ  Jesus,  make  you  perfect,  stab- 
lish,  strengthen,  settle  you.  To  him  be  glory  and 
dominion  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


SECTION  VI. 


A  Table  of  the  Selections  from  the  Scriptures  com- 
monly called  "the  Gospels  and  Epistles ." 

N .  B. — These  selections  are  added  to  the  Liturgy, 
because  it  has  been  customary  in  many  of  the  Lu- 
theran churches  in  the  United  States  to  have  them 
read  regularly  in  public  worship.  But  it  is  necessa- 
ry to  remark  concerning  them,  that  there  is  an  im- 
propriety in  congregations  confining  themselves  year 
after  year  to  these  portions  of  the  sacred  volume,  and 
neglecting  all  the  rest,  when  they  meet  together  for 
instruction  and  prayer.  Besides,  although  some  of 
these  selections  are  excellent,  not  a  few  of  them  have 
been  chosen  injudiciously,  or  are  so  unnaturally  torn 
away  from  the  context,  as  to  be  dark  and  unedifying, 
instead  of  exhibiting  a  clear  and  connected  view  of 
the  great  facts,  truths,  and  lessons,  contained  in  holy 
writ,  especially  of  those  which  are  most  interesting  to 
Christians.  It  is  very  desirable,  that  other  and  larger 
sections  of  the  scriptures  should  be  read  in  our  reli- 
gious assemblies;  and  it  is  pleasing  to  find,  that  this 
is  done  in  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Churches  in 
Saxony,  Wirtemberg,  and  other  Protestant  countries 
in  Germany. 


GOSPELS  AND  EPISTLES. 


55 


The  1  Sunday  in  Advent. 
rAcGW.-Matth.«l.I-9. 

ThcEpis.-Rom.\'3.\\-U. 
The  3  Sunday  in  Advent. 

Luke  21.  25-36. 

Rom.  15.  4-13. 
The  3  Sunday  in  Advent. 

Matth.  11.  2-10. 

1  Cor.  4.  1-5. 
The  4  Sunday  in  Advent. 

John  1.  19-28. 

Philipp.  4.  4-7. 
Christmas  day. 

Luke  2.  1-14. 

Titus  2.  11-14. 
1  Sunday  aft.  Christmas. 

Luke  2.  33-40. 

Gal.  4.  1-7. 
New-year's   day.   or  the 
Circumcision  of  Christ. 

Luke  2.  21. 

Gal.  3.  23-29. 
1  Sunday  after  New-year. 

Matth.  2.  13-23,  or 

Matth.  3.  13-17. 

1  Peter  4.  12-19,  or 

Titus  3.  4-7. 
Epiphany,  or  Manifesta- 
tion  of  Christ   to  the 
Gentiles. 

Matth.  2.  1-12. 

Isaiah  60.  1-6,  or 

Ephes.3.  1-12. 
1  Sunday  after  Epiphany. 

Luke  2.  41-52. 

Rom.  12.  1-6. 


2  Sunday  after  Epiphany. 

John  2.  1-11. 
Rom.  12.  6-16. 

3  Sunday  after  Epiphany. 

Matth.  8.  1-13. 

Rom.  12.  17-21. 
^Sunday  after  Epiphany. 

Matth.  8.  23-27. 

Rom.  13.  8-10. 
5 Sunday  after  Epiphany. 

Matth.  13.  24-30. 

Coloss.  3.  12-17. 
6 Sunday  after  Epiphany. 

Matth.  17.  1-9. 

2  Peter  1.  16-21. 
Septuagesima,  or  3  Sun. 
day  before  Lent. 

Matth.  20.  1-16. 

1  Cor.  9.  24-27. 
Sexagesima,  or  2  Sunday 

before  Lent. 
Luke  8.  4-15. 

2  Cor.  11.  19-31. 
Qumquagesima,  or  1  Sun- 
day before  Lent. 

Luke  18.  31-43. 

1  Cor.  13. 

The  \  Sunday  in  Lent. 
Matth.  4.  1-11. 

2  Cor.  6.  1-10. 

The  2  Sunday  in  Lent. 

Matth.  15.  21-28. 

1  Thess.  4.  1-7. 
The  3  Sunday  in  Lent. 

Luke  11.  14-28. 

Ephes.  5.  1-13. 


56 


GOSPELS  AND  EPISTLES. 


The  4  Sunday  in  Lent. 
John  6.  1-15. 
Gal.  4.  21-31. 

The  5  Sunday  in  Lent 

John  8.  46-59. 

Heb.  9.  11-15. 
The  6  Sunday  in  Lent. 

Matth.  21.  1-9. 

Philipp.  2.  5-11,  or 

1  Cor.  11.  23-32. 

Good  Friday. 
Matth.  26.  36  to  the  end 
ofch.27,  or  Mark  14.  32 
to  the  end  of  ch.  15,  or 
Luke  22.  39  to  the  end  of 
ch.  23,  or  John  18  and  19. 
Isaiah  53. 

Easter. 
Mark  16.  1-8. 
1  Cor.  5.  6-8. 
Easter  Monday. 
Luke  24.  13-35. 
Acts  10.  34-41. 

1  Sunday  after  Easter. 

John  20.  19-31. 
1  John  5.  4-10. 

2  Sunday  after  Easter. 

John  10.  11-16. 
1  Peter  2.  21-25. 

3  Sunday  after  Easter. 

John  16.  16-23. 
1  Peter  2.  11-20. 

4  Sunday  after  Easter. 

John  16.  5-15. 
James  1.  16-21. 


5  Sunday  after  Easter, 
John  16.  23-30. 
James  1.  22-27. 
Ascension-day, 
Mark  16.  14-20. 
Acts  1.  1-11. 
The  Sunday  after  Ascen- 
sion Day. 
John  15.  26-16.4. 
1  Peter  4.  7-11. 
Whitsunday. 
John  14.  23-31. 
Acts  2.  1-12. 
Whit  sun  Monday. 
John  3.  16-21. 
Acts  10.  42-48. 

Trinity  Sunday, 
John  3.  1-15. 
Rom.  11.  33-36. 

1  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

Luke  16.  19-31. 
1  John  4.  16-21. 

2  Sunday  after  Trinity, 

Luke  14. 16-24. 
1  John  3.  13-18. 

3  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  15.  1-10. 
1  Peter  5.  6-11. 

4  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  6.  36-42. 
Rom.  8.  18-23. 

5  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  5.  1-11. 
1  Peter  3  8-15. 

6  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  5.  20-26. 
Rom.  6.  3-11. 


GOSPELS  AND  EPISTLES. 


57 


7  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Mark  b.  1-9. 
Rom.  6.  19-23. 

8  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  7.  15-23. 
Rom.  S.  12-17. 

9  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  16.  1-9. 
1  Cor.  10.  6-13. 

10  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  19.  41-48. 
1  Cor.  12.  1-1 1. 

1 1  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  18.  9-14. 
1  Cor.  15.  1-10. 

12  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Mark  7.  31-37. 
2Ccr.  3.  4-11. 

13  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  10.  23-37. 
Gal.  3.  15-22. 

14  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  17.  11-19. 
Gal.  5.  16-24. 

15  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  6.  24-34. 
Gal.  5.  25— ch.  6. 10. 

16  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  7.  11-17. 
Ephes.  3.  13-21. 

17  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Luke  14.  1-11. 
Ephes.  4.  1-6. 


18  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  22.  34-46. 
ICor.  1.  4-9. 

19  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  9.  1-8. 
Ephes.  4.  22-28. 

20  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  22.  1-14. 
Ephes.  5.  15-21. 

21  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

John  4.  47-54. 
Ephes.  6.  10-17. 

22  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  18.  23-35. 
Philipp.  1.3-11. 

23  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  22.  15-22. 
Philipp.  3.  17-21. 

24  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  9.  18-26. 
Coloss.  1.  9-14. 

25  Sunday  after  Trinity. 

Matth.  24.  15-28. 

1  Thess.  4.  13-18. 

26  Sunday  after  Trinity: 

Matth.  25.  31-46. 

2  Peter  3.  3-14. 

27  Sunday  after  Trinity. 
Mat.  24.36— ch.  25.  1-30. 

1  Thess.  5.  1-11. 


58  BAPTISM. 

SECTION  VII. 

THE  MINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM 
TO  INFANTS. 

Address  of  the  Minister  to  the  Parents  or  other 
Sponsors  of  the  Child  to  be  baptized. 

My  Christian  Friends, 
IT  was  the  command  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ  to 
his  apostles,  that  they  should  go  and  make  disciples  of 
all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father, 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  He  declared 
to  those,  among  whom  he  lived,  "  Except  a  man  be 
born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God." 
And  he  requires,  that  we  all  be  directed  in  our  sen- 
timents and  deportment  by  his  doctrine  and  example, 
and  that  the  same  mind  be  in  us  which  was  in  him. 

This  sanctification  of  the  heart  and  life  is  signified 
by  the  sacramental  rite,  which  our  Lord  instituted  as 
the  means  of  introducing  the  members  of  his  visible 
church  on  earth.  As  water  purifies  our  bodies  from 
all  uncleanness  ;  so  the  religion  of  Christ,  into  which 
we  are  initiated  by  baptism,  is  perfectly  adapted  to 
cleanse  and  purify  our  souls.  And  as  Almighty  God, 
in  receiving  us  through  this  ordinance  into  his  new 
covenant,  graciously  offers  and  bestows  upon  us  the 
highest  religious  advantages,  the  assurance  of  his 
mercy,  the  promise  of  the  assistance  of  his  Spirit,  and 
the  hope  of  everlasting  happiness;  so,  likewise,  by 
this  institution,  we  are  brought  under  the  most  solemn 
obligations  to  follow  after  holiness.  "  The  baptism, 
which  saves  us,  is  not  the  putting  away  the  filth  of  the 
flesh,  but  the  answer  of  a  good  conscience  toward  God.': 

We  are  assured  in  scripture,  that  the  promises  of 
God  belong  not  only  to  us,  but  to  our  children. 
Among  the  people  of  Israel,  infants  were  received 


BAPTISM.  59 

In-  the  divine  command,  into  the  covenant  which  was 
made  with  Abraham  and  his  descendants.  When 
heads  of  families  were  converted  to  Christianity  by 
the  njioncv  of  the  apostles,  not  only  they,  but  their 
household,  were  baptized.  And  we  have,  moreover, 
the  strongest  proof  of  the  love  of  God  to  young  chil- 
dren, and  of  their  fitness  for  his  kingdom,  in  the 
declaration  of  our  blessed  Saviour,  the  image  and  re- 
presentative of  his  Father.  "  They  brought  young 
children  unto  him,"  says  St.  Mark,  "that  he  should 
touch  them;  and  his  disciples  rebuked  those  that 
brought  them.  But  when  Jesus  saw  it.  he  was  much 
displeased,  .and  said  unto  them  :  Suffer  the  little  chil- 
dren to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not ;  for  of 
such  is  the  kingdom  of  God.  Verily  I  say  unto  you, 
whosoever  shall  not  receive  the  kingdom  of  heaven 
as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter  therein.  And  he 
took  them  up  in  his  arms,  put  his  hands  upon  them, 
and  blessed  them." 

Thus  encouraged,  you  bring  this  child  to  be  added 
to  the  church  of  the  Redeemer,  professing  your  own 
Christian  faith,  and  your  desire  that  he  (she)  should 
realize  the  blessings  of  the  gospel,  and  promising  to 
employ  your  best  endeavours  for  the  accomplishment 
of  this  object. 

I  ask  you,  therefore,  before  God  and  these  witnesses : 
Do  you  renounce,  and  will  you  faithfully  exhort 
this  child  to  renounce,  the  devil  and  all  his  works 
and  ways? — Answ.  Yes. 

Do  you  believe  in  God,  the  Father  Almighty, 
Maker  of  heaven  and  earth  ? 

And  in  Jesus  Christ,  his  only  Son,  our  Lord,  who 
was  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  born  of  the  Virgin 
Mary,  suffered  under  Pontius  Pilate,  was  crucified, 
dead*  and  buried  :  who  descended  into  hell,  the  third 
day  arose  from  the  dead,  ascended  into  heaven,  and 
sitteth  at  the  right  hand  of  God,  the  Father  Almighty, 
47 


60  BAPTISM. 

from  whence  he  shall  come  to  judge  the  quick  and 
the  dead? 

Do  you  also  believe  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  holy  ca- 
tholic church,  the  communion  of  saints,  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins,  the  resurrection  of  the  body,  and  the  life 
everlasting? — Answ.  Yes. 

Is  it  your  desire,  that  this  child  shall  be  baptized  in- 
to the  Christian  faith:  and  are  you  resolved  to  instruct 
him  carefully  in  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  Jesus,  and  to 
teach  him  to  walk  according  to  its  holy  command- 
ments?— Answ.  Yes. 

Instead  of  the  preceding  questions,  the  following 
may  be  proposed :  Do  you  sincerely  believe  in  the  di- 
vine authority  of  the  religion  of  Jesus,  as  it  has  been 
handed  down  to  us  in  the  writings  of  the  evangelists 
and  apostles  ?  Is  it  your  intention  to  educate  this  child 
in  the  knowledge  and  love  of  the  gospel  ?  And  do  you 
engage  to  use  all  necessary  care  and  diligence,  by  in- 
struction, admonition,  example,  and  discipline,  that  he 
shall  renounce  and  avoid  every  thing  that  is  evil,  and 
that  he  shall  keep  God's  holy  will  and  commandments 
as  declared  in  his  sacred  word  ? — If  this  be  your  faith 
and  serious  resolution,  please  to  profess  the  same  by 
answering,  uYes." 

N.  I  baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and 
of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Let  us  pray. — 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God  !  we  adore  thee  as 
the  great  Parent  of  the  children  of  men,  as  the  Fa- 
ther of  our  spirits,  and  the  Former  of  our  bodies. 
We  praise  thee  for  giving  existence  to  this  infant, 
and  for  preserving  him  until  this  day.  We  bless 
thee,  that  he  is  called  to  virtue  and  glory,  that  he 
has  now  been  dedicated  to  thee,  and  brought  within 
the  pale  of  the  Christian  church.  We  thank  thee, 
that  by  the  gospel  of  thy  Son  he  is  furnished  with 
every  thing  necessary  to  his  spiritual  happiness :  that 


BAPTISM.  61 

it  supplies  light  for  his  mind,  and  comfort  for  his 
heart,  encouragement  and  power  to  discharge  Am  du- 
ty, and  the  precious  hope  of  mercy  and  immortality 
to  sustain  and  make  him  faithful.  And  we  beseech 
thee  to  grant,  0  most  merciful  God,  that  this  child 
may  be  enlightened  and  sanctified  from  his  early 
years  by  thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  be  everlastingly  saved 
by  thy  mercy.  Direct  and  bless  thy  servants,  who 
are  entrusted  with  the  care  of  him,  in  the  momentous 
work  of  his  education.  Inspire  them  with  just  con- 
ceptions of  the  absolute  necessity  of  religious  instruc- 
tions and  principles.  Forbid  that  they  should  ever 
forget,  that  their  offspring  belong  to  thee:  and  that.  i£ 
through  their  criminal  neglect  or  bad  example,  thy 
reasonable  creature  be  lost,  thou  wilt  require  it  at 
their  hands.  Give  them  a  deep  sense  of  the  dignity  of 
his  nature,  of  the  worth  of  his  soul,  and  of  the  dangers 
to  which  he  will  be  exposed  :  of  the  honour  and  feli- 
city to  which  he  is  capable  of  ascending  with  thy 
blessing,  and  of  the  ruin  in  this  world  and  the  misery 
in  the  world  to  come  which  spring  from  wdeked  pas- 
sions and  conduct.  Give  them  grace  to  check  the 
first  risings  of  forbidden  inclinations  in  his  breast,  to 
be  its  defence  against  the  temptations  incident  to 
childhood  and  youth,  and  as  he  grows  up,  to  enlarge 
his  understanding,  and  to  lead  him  to  an  acquaintance 
with  thee  and  with  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent. 
Give  them  grace  to  cultivate  in  his  heart  a  supreme 
reverence  and  love  for  thee,  a  grateful  attachment  to 
the  gospel  of  thy  Son  his  Saviour,  a  due  regard  for 
all  its  ordinances  and  institutions,  a  temper  of  kind- 
ness and  good- will  to  all  mankind,  and  an  invincible 
love  of  sincerity  and  truth.  Help  them  to  watch  con- 
tinually over  him  with  tender  solicitude,  to  be  studious 
that  by  their  conversation  and  deportment  his  heart 
may  not  be  corrupted,  and  at  all  times  to  set  before 
him  such   an  example  that  he  may  safely  tread  in 


62  BAPTISM. 

their  footsteps.  If  it  please  thee  to  prolong  his  days 
on  earth,  grant  that  he  may  prove  an  honour  and  a 
comfort  to  his  parents  and  friends,  be  useful  in  the 
world,  and  find  in  thy  Providence  an  unfailing  defence 
and  support.  Whether  he  live,  let  him  live  to  thee  ; 
or  whether  he  die,  let  him  die  to  thee.  And,  at  the 
great  day  of  account,  may  he  and  his  parents  meet 
each  other  with  rapture,  and  rejoice  together  in  thy 
redeeming  love,  through  Jesus  Christ,  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 

The  following  exhortation,  or  any  other  which  the 
minister  may  judge  proper,  may  be  addressed  to  the 
parents. 

Solemn  and  momentous  indeed  is  your  duty,  my 
friends,  and  great  your  responsibility  to  the  Judge  of 
all.  To  guide  this  feeble  and  ignorant  creature  in 
the  road  to  happiness ;  to  contribute  to  the  unfolding 
of  his  powers,  and  to  teach  him  to  make  a  worthy  use 
of  them ;  to  cherish  the  good,  and  to  repress  the  evil 
dispositions,  which  may  rise  up  in  Az'smind;  to  guard 
him  from  error,  vice,  and  misery;  to  make  him  ac- 
quainted with  the  great  design  of  his  being;  to  lead 
him  to  truth,  wisdom,  piety,  and  virtue ;  to  fit  him  for 
acting  his  part  well  on  the  theatre  of  this  world  ;  and 
to  prepare  him  for  endless  bliss  in  the  world  to  come  : 
— what  a  noble,  delightful,  and  arduous  employment ! 
What  a  recompense  will  attend  it,  if  well  perform- 
ed, both  here  and  hereafter  !  What  cutting  sorrow 
would  you  be  doomed  to  feel,  should  you  neglect 
this  duty,  or  acquit  yourselves  ill  in  it ! — Let  it  be 
your  great  aim  to  discharge  this  obligation  with  fide- 
lity;  and,  having  been  the  instruments  of  giving  life  to 
this  infant,  let  it  be  the  subject  of  your  prayers,  and 
the  end  of  your  endeavours,  that  you  may  meet  him 
among  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  before  the 
throne  of  God  and  the  Lamb.     Amen. 


BAPTISM.  63 


SECTION  VIII. 


THE  MINISTRATION  OF  BAPTISM 
to  such  as  are  of  riper  years. 

Dearly  Beloved, 
OUR  blessed  Saviour,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  having 
himself  published  his  religion  for  the  salvation  of  the 
world,  to  the  Jewish  nation,  commissioned  his  apos- 
tles to  complete  the  work  which  he  had  begun.  "All 
power,"  said  he,  "is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in 
earth.  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap- 
tizing them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son, 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  teaching  them  to  observe  all 
things  whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you."  In  obe- 
dience to  this  direction,  his  disciples  preached  his  gos- 
pel in  various  parts  of  the  earth:  and  as  many  as  pro- 
fessed "  repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  toward  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ"  were  received  and  acknowledged 
by  baptism  as  members  of  his  church.  The  Jews 
were  required  to  renounce  their  corrupt  prejudices 
and  customs  :  the  heathens,  to  forsake  their  idolatry 
and  superstition  :  and  it  was  enjoined  upon  both,  that 
they  should  relinquish  every  evil  thought  and  way, 
enter  upon  a  new  and  better  course  of  thinking  and 
living,  and  be  guided  in  all  respects  by  the  sacred 
principles  of  the  gospel,  if  they  were  desirous  of  se- 
curing the  blessedness  of  true  Christians. 

By  the  ordinance  of  baptism,  Christ  has  most  wisely 
provide!  for  preserving  his  church,  and  for  main- 
taining among  Us  a  sense  of  the  holiness  and  rege- 
nerating influence  of  his  doctrine.  Water  was 
appointed  by  him  to  be  employed  as  an  emblem  of 
spiritual  purity,  or  of  that  moral  and  religious  im- 
provement in  which  all  our  Christian  advantages 
are  to  terminate.  And  it  is  designed  by  him,  that 
47* 


64  BAPTISM. 

it  shall  be  said  of  all  who  embrace  his  religion : 
"  Ye  are  washed,  ye  are  sanctified,  ye  are  justified, 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  by  the  Spirit  of 
our  God." 

Such  is  the  origin  and  nature  of  this  rite.  You,  my 
brother,  (sister,)  in  the  profession  of  your  Christian 
faith,  present  yourself  to  be  baptized  according  to  this 
institution.  I  ask  you,  therefore,  in  the  presence  of 
these  witnesses,  and  before  that  august  Being  who 
searcheth  the  heart, 

Q.  Do  you  sincerely  believe  in  the  divine  authority 
of  the  religion  of  Jesus,  as  it  is  contained  in  holy  scrip- 
ture, receiving  it  as  the  rule  of  your  faith,  and  as  your 
guide  through  all  the  changes  of  this  life  to  that 
which  is  to  come  1     Answ.  I  do. 

Q.  Do  you  renounce  all  sinful  desires  and  works, 
and  promise,  by  the  help  of  God,  to  adorn  your  pro- 
fession with  a  holy  life  and  conversation  ? 

A.  I  do ;  and,  by  the  help  of  God,  I  will  endeavour 
to  fulfil  this  promise. 

Upon  this  your  solemn  profession  and  promise,  I 
baptize  thee,  N,  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Let  us  pray. — 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  the  Father  of 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  hath  taught  us  by  his 
own  conduct  to  fulfil  all  righteousness  ;  we  offer  unto 
thee  our  thankful  acknowledgments  that  this  thy  ser- 
vant has  now  been  engrafted  into  the  body  of 
Christ's  church,  and  been  made  a  partaker  of  those 
heavenly  blessings  which  we  have  received  through 
our  great  Mediator.  Accept,  we  beseech  thee,  this 
instance  of  his  obedience  to  thy  will,  and  this  mani- 
festation of  h  is  desire  to  please  thee.  If  through  his 
own  neglect  and  the  temptations  which  are  in  the 
world,  he  has  entertained  any  evil  affection  or  offend- 
ed against  thy  holy  laws ;  we  beseech  thee,  in  thine 


BAPTISM.  65 

infinite  mercy,  to  pardon  him.  Pour  out  upon  him 
thy  Holy  Spirit,  and  assist  him  to  accomplish  his  vows. 
Incline  his  heart  to  study  with  diligence  and  meek- 
ness the  sacred  records  of  our  religion,  to  receive 
with  all  readiness  the  doctrines  and  instructions  of  thy 
Son,  to  submit  faithfully  to  the  authority  of  his  laws, 
and  on  no  occasion  to  be  afraid  or  ashamed  of  con- 
fessing his  name.  Give  him  strength  to  triumph 
over  every  allurement  and  terror,  that  would  draw 
him  aside  from  the  path  of  duty;  that,  as  Christ  died 
and  rose  again,  so  he,  being  baptized,  may  die  unto 
sin  and  rise  unto  righteousness.  Help  him  to  avail 
himself  of  all  the  means  which  thou  hast  appointed 
for  his  improvement,  that  he  may  grow  daily  in 
every  virtue  which  relates  to  thee,  to  his  neigh- 
bour, and  himself.  Assist  him  to  be  fervent  in  spirit, 
rejoicing  in  hope,  patient  in  tribulation,  continuing  in- 
stant in  prayer,  blessing  those  who  persecute  him, 
rejoicing  with  them  that  rejoice,  and  weeping  with 
them  that  weep.  May  his  deportment  contribute  to 
confute  the  enemies  of  Christianity,  to  edify  its  friends, 
and  to  prove  to  the  doubting  that  it  is  the  power  of  God 
unto  salvation  to  all  who  uprightly  believe  and  seri- 
ously apply  it.  Experiencing  that  the  yoke  of  Christ 
is  easy  and  his  burden  light,  and  blessed  with  a  large 
measure  of  that  consolation  and  cheerfulness  which 
flow  from  the  discoveries,  the  cross,  and  the  resurrec- 
tion of  his  Lord;  may  he  prove  faithful  unto  death, 
and  finally,  through  thy  grace,  receive  the  crown  of 
life! 

And  now  unto  thee,  who  art  able  to  keep  us  from 
falling,  and  to  present  us  faultless  before  the  presence 
of  thy  glory  with  exceeding  joy,  be  glory  and  ma- 
jesty, dominion  and  power,  through  Jesus  Christ,  for 
ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


66  CONFIRMATION. 

SECTION    IX. 
THE  ORDER  OF  CONFIRMATION, 

OR  THE  RENEWAL  OF  THEIR  BAPTISMAL  VOWS  BY  SUCH 
AS  WERE  BAPTIZED  IN  INFANCY,  AND  HAVE  COME  TO 
YEARS  OF  DISCRETION. 

N.  B. —  This  rite  is  performed  publicly  in  the  pre* 
sence  of  the  congregation  ;  the  Catechumens  having 
been  previously  instructed  in  a  regular  series  of  lec- 
tures concerning  the  doctrines  and  duties  of  the  Chris- 
tian religion,  and  having  been  examined  before  the 
officers  of  the  church,  or  the  congregation  generally. 
The  minister  introduces  the  service  with  a  suitable 
hymn  and  prayer,  and  with  a  short  address  to  the 
audience  respecting  the  nature  and  use  of  this  solem- 
nity, as  an  impressive  mode  of  admitting  new  mem- 
bers into  church- communion.  The  candidates  for 
confirmation  being  then  placed  before  the  altar,  the 
minister  proposes  to  them  the  following,  or  similar 
questions. 

Q.  I  ask  you,  my  friends,  in  the  presence  of  om- 
niscient God,  and  of  this  assembly :  Do  you  believe 
with  all  the  heart  in  the  divine  authority  of  the  reli- 
gion of  Christ,  and  accept  it  as  the  most  precious  gift 
of  heaven  to  man,  as  an  infallible  guide  to  happiness 
in  time  and  eternity  1  Do  you  revere  Jesus  Christ 
as  the  Son  of  God,  as  the  Mediator  and  Saviour  ol 
mankind,  as  your  Lord,  Master,  and  Judge  %  And 
do  you  intend  to  profess  him  and  bis  gospel  before 
men  without  fear  or  shame,  and  to  be  faithfui  to  him 
until  the  end  of  life  % 

A.  I  do. 

Q.  As  Christianity  is  a  practical  religion,  and  faith 
without  good  works  is  dead  and  vain  :  Are  you  seri- 
ously resolved  to  love  the  Lord  your  God  with  all  the 
heart,  and  to  love  your  fellow-men  as  yourselves  ? 


CONFIRMATION.  67 

Will  you  strive  to  grow  in  piety  and  virtue,  to  live 
as  the  disciples  of  that  Redeemer  who  was  holy  and 
undefiled,  and  to  imitate  his  encouraging  and  unspot- 
ted example? 

A.  I  will,  by  the  help  of  God. 

Q.  Do  you  now  confirm  and  ratify  the  solemn 
promises  made  at  your  baptism,  renewing  and  as- 
suming the  same  for  yourselves  % 

A.  I  do. 

The  catechumens  then  kneeling  or  standing  around 
the  altar,  the  minister  lays  his  hand  on  the  head  of 
each,  and  accompanies  this  act  tcith  the  following 
prayer. 

May  Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  mercies,  ever 
multiply  unto  you  his  grace  and  peace.  May  he  en- 
able you,  by  his  Holy  Spirit,  to  become  true  followers 
of  his  Son  :  defend  you  in  every  time  of  danger ;  pre- 
serve you  faithful  unto  the  end :  and  bring  you  to  the 
happiness  of  his  heavenly  kingdom.     Amen. 

The  minister  then  gives  his  right  hand  to  each 
of  the  catechumens,  saying, 

XTpon  the  voluntary  professions  and  promises  which 
you  have  now  made,  I  receive  you  as  members  of 
this  Christian  congregation,  and  give  you,  in  its  name, 
the  right  hand  of  brotherly  fellowship  and  love ; 
authorizing  you  to  join  us  in  the  celebration  of  the 
Lord's  supper,  and  to  participate  in  all  our  spiritual 
privileges,  so  long  as  your  deportment  shall  corres- 
pond with  your  present  engagement. 

Let  us  unite  our  supplications  to  the  throne  of  grace, 
in  behalf  of  these  our  Christian  brethren. 

Almighty  and  everlasting  God,  whom  the  heaven 
of  heavens  cannot  contain,  who  art  the  R.ewarder  of 
all  that  diligently  seek  thee !  we  raise  our  hearts  unto 
thee  with  thanksgiving  for  the  establishment  of  thy 
church  and  for  the  means  of  grace.  We  bless  thee, 
that,   after  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  had  made  perfect 


68  CONFIRMATION. 

our  redemption  by  his  death,  resurrection,  and  ascen- 
sion, he  sent  abroad  into  the  world  his  disciples  to 
gather  together  a  great  flock  of  those  who  should  be- 
lieve in  his  name.  We  bless  thee,  that  the  day- 
spring  from  on  high  has  visited  our  land,  that  these 
thy  servants  were  born  to  the  possession  of  the  un- 
speakable advantages  of  thy  holy  gospel,  and  that 
they  have  now  been  disposed  and  enabled  by  thy 
goodness  to  make  a  profession  of  their  Christian  faith. 
Thou  hast  delivered  them  from  the  power  of  dark- 
ness, and  translated  them  into  the  kingdom  of  thy 
dear  Son.  Thou  hast  brought  them  to  know  in  whom 
to  believe,  and  to  trust,  what  duties  they  have  to  per- 
form, ana!  what  is  necessary  to  qualify  them  for  thy  fa- 
vour and  celestial  happiness.  Thou  hast  helped  them 
to  see,  that  Christ  Jesus  is  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the 
life,  the  author  of  eternal  salvation  to  all  those  who 
obey  him. — Merciful  God  !  be  pleased  to  accept  the 
sacrifices  of  their  hearts,  and  to  accomplish  the  desires 
and  prayers  which  they  address  to  thy  throne.  Let 
them  not  forget  the  vows,  which  they  have  made  unto 
thee,  the  righteous  and  holy  Ruler ;  and  let  thy  Provi- 
dence and  Spirit  assist  them  to  carry  them  into  execu- 
tion. Perfect,  we  beseech  thee,  the  good  work  which 
is  begun  in  their  souls,  and  help  them  to  press  towards 
the  mark  for  the  prize  of  their  high  calling  in  Jesus 
Christ.  Increase  their  knowledge,  and  assist  them 
perfectly  to  understand  thy'  word.  Strengthen  their 
faith,  and  make  it  steadfast  and  immoveable.  Fill 
their  minds  with  love  to  thee,  with  love  to  their 
Redeemer,  with  love  to  all  their  fellow-men.  Lead 
them  to  pursue  with  increasing  ardour  whatsoever 
things  are  honest,  true,  just,  pure,  amiable,  and  of 
good  report.  ■  Amidst  the  tumults  of  the  world,  holy 
Father !  save  them  from  the  evils  which  are  in  the 
world,  and  suffer  them  not  to  become  unmindful  of 
their  exalted  destination.     When  they  are  tempted  to 


CONFIRMATION.  69 

sin,  to  folly,  or  to  the  neglect  of  their  duty,  let  the  re- 
membrance of  this  sacred  hour  and  of  this  solemn 
gement  penetrate  their  hearts,  and  make  them 
irious  in  the  conflict. — And  while  it  is  their  great 
aim  to  secure  thy  friendship,  and  so  to  act  that  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  may  bo  glorified  in  them  ;  we 
pray  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  support,  to  comfort  them, 
and  to  supply  all  their  wants.  Enable  them  habitu- 
ally to  rejoice  in  thee,  to  repose  unbounded  confidence 
in  thy  promises,  and  to  find  by  their  own  happy  expe- 
rience that  religion's  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 
and  that  all  her  paths  are  paths  of  peace.  Assist 
them,  in  celebrating  the  supper  of  their  Lord,  to  rea- 
lize all  the  honour  and  blessedness  of  belonging  to  him, 
and  of  being  united  to  him  for  ever.  And  when  they 
shall  be  removed  from  this  scene  of  trial,  grant  that 
they  may  be  found  among  those,  who  have  fought  a 
good  fight,  finished  their  course,  and  kept  their  faith, 
and  whom  thy  grace  will  receive  into  the  realms  of 
endless  praise  and  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Mediator  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

A  suitable  address  is  then  delivered  to  those  who 
have  confirmed  their  baptismal  vows,  and  an  ex- 
hortation is  given  to  the  congregation  present  to  re- 
ceive them  as  brethren,  and  to  promote  their  improve- 
ment and  comfort  by  kind  assistance,  affectionate 
counsel,  and  spotless  examples  :  after  which,  the 
service  may  be  concluded  with  a  prayer  like  the 
following  : 

Most  gracious  God  !  we  adore  thine  unspeakable 
goodness  in  preserving  and  blessing  this  portion  of 
the  church  of  thy  Son,  and  in  adding  to  it  new  mem- 
bers from  time  to  time.  O  grant,  that  Christian  truth 
and  piety  may  continually  flourish  amongst  us,  that 
we  may  maintain  the  honour  of  our  religion  by  puri- 
ty of  mind  and  righteousness  of  life.  Pour  out  into 
every  heart  that  most  excellent  gift  of  charity,  the 


70  PREPARATION  FOR 

bond  of  perfectness ;  and  help  us  to  live  in  peace,  that 
thou,  the  God  of  peace,  mayest  be  with  us.  Preserve 
us  from  giving  offence  and  an  occasion  of  falling  to  any. 
Excite  us  to  assist,  console,  and  strengthen  one  ano- 
ther, and  to  travel  together  to  the  heavenly  land  as 
brothers  and  sisters  in  the  Lord.  And  when  thou 
shalt  be  pleased  to  call  us  away  from  thy  church  on 
earth,  vouchsafe  to  unite  us  with  all  thy  faithful  and 
obedient  servants  in  heaven.  Hear  our  prayers,  we 
beseech  thee,  most  merciful  Father,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


SECTION   X. 
ORDER  OF  THE  SERVICE 

PREPARATORY  TO  THE  CELEBRATION  OF  THE  LORD'S 
SUPPER. 

The  exercises,  which  are  usually  held  on  the  day 
preceding  the  Communion,  commence  with  the  sing- 
ing of  an  appropriate  hymn,  and  with  prayer.  A 
discourse  is  then  delivered,  adapted  to  the  occasion; 
after  which  the  minister  addresses  the  following,  or 
similar  questions  to  the  communicants : 

I  ASK  you,  my  Friends,  before  Almighty  God,  and 
upon  the  evidence  of  your  own  consciences,  whether 
you  really  feel,  lament,  and  acknowledge,  that  you 
are  sinners ;  that,  by  omitting  to  do  good,  and  actually 
doing  evil,  you  have  offended  against  your  righteous 
Lawgiver  and  Judge,  and  rendered  yourselves  ob- 
noxious to  his  displeasure  ?  If  this  is  the  sincere  and 
humble  confession  -of  your  hearts,  make  it  manifest 
with  your  lips  by  saying,  "  Yes." 
,47ts.  Yes. 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER.  71 

I  ask  you,  whether  you  firmly  believe,  that  Jesus 
Christ  has  come  into  the  world  to  save  sinners,  and 
that  all  those,  who  sincerely  accept  and  obey  his  gos- 
pel, do  receive  the  forgiveness  of  their  sins  and  eter- 
nal life?  Are  you  truly  desirous  to  be  delivered  from 
your  transgressions;  and  have  you  an  earnest  solici- 
tude to  partake  of  God's  mercy  to  the  penitent  and 
faithful  2 

Ans.  Yes. 

I  ask  you,  whether  you  are  fully  resolved  to  submit 
yourselves  in  future  to  the  gracious  direction  of  the 
divine  Spirit,  so  that  you  may  no  more  purposely 
offend,  but  be  enabled  to  hate  and  avoid  all  manner 
of  evil,  to  walk  circumspectly  before  God,  and  to  fol- 
low after  holiness  ?  If  this  is  your  upright  intention 
and  purpose,  announce  it  in  the  presence  of  God  and 
of  each  other,  by  saying,  "Yes." 
Ans.  Yes. 

Let  us  unite  in  making  this  confession  in  prayer  to 
the  throne  of  grace. 

Here  one  of  the  forms  of  general  confession  may 
be  used.  See  page  3 — (5.  Or  the  minister  may  ad- 
dress the  Father  of  mercies  in  any  other  prayer 
which  he  shall  consider  proper.  This  act  of  devo- 
tion being  performed,  the  minister  may  say  to  the 
communicants  : 

Almighty  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  desireth  not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  but 
rather  that  he  may  turn  from  his  wickedness  and 
live,  having  givin  commandment  to  his  ministers  to 
declare  to  all  who  are  truly  penitent,  the  absolution  of 
their  sins, — I  pronounce  to  you,  who  in  your  hearts  be- 
lieve in  Jesus  Christ,  and  fully  purpose  a  life  of  obe- 
dience and  piety,  the  forgiveness  of  your  errors  and 
offences.  Doubt  not,  I  intreat  you,  but  be  completely 
assured,  that,  if  you  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteous- 
ness, you  shall  be  satisfied  and  have  cause  to  rejoice  in 
48 


72  the  lord's  supper. 

the  God  of  your  salvation.  He  is  the  Lord  God  merci- 
ful and  gracious;  his  covenant  stands  sure  for  ever. 
To  call  in  question  the  fulfilment  of  his  promises,  would 
be  ingratitude  and  impiety.  The  Spirit  of  Christ  and 
Christianity  is  not  the  spirit  of  bondage  and  fear,  but 
the  spirit  of  adoption,  whereby  we  cry,  Abba,  Fa- 
ther.— But,  while  the  gospel  of  Jesus  commands  us  to 
bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  and  to  declare  peace  and 
good-will  to  all  who  are  reconciled  unto  God's  govern- 
ment and  laws ;  it  threatens  indignation  and  wrath, 
tribulation  and  anguish  against  the  workers  of  iniquity. 
My  duty  to  you  requires  me,  therefore,  to  state  in  the 
most  explicit  terms,  that,  if  we  are  impenitent,  and 
either  live  in  the  open  violation  of  God's  holy  com- 
mandments, or  hypocritically  put  on  the  form  of  god- 
liness, all  our  confessions  and  promises  will  be  unavail- 
ing; and  that  we  shall  be  unable  to  escape  from  the 
wrath  to  come,  unless  we  be  renewed  in  our  minds 
and  lives,  while  the  day  of  grace  is  prolonged. 

May  God  have  mercy  upon  every  one  of  us,  par- 
don and  deliver  us  from  all  our  sins,  confirm  and 
strengthen  us  in  all  goodness,  and  bring  us  to  ever- 
lasting life  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


SECTION  XI. 

THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE 
LORD'S  SUPPER. 

After  the  usual  morning  service,  the  minister, 
standing  at  the  communion-table,  addresses  the 
Communicants. 

"  Holy,  holy,  holy  is  the  Lord  of  hosts  :  the  whole 
earth  is  full  of  his  glory." 

Dearly  Beloved, 
As  you  intend  to  come  to  the  holy  Communion,  which 
our  Lord  ordained  to  be  a  memorial  of  his  sufferings 


the  lord's  supper.  73 

and  death,  and  a  means  of  improving  his  disciples  in 
their  attachment  and  obedience  to  his  divine  religion ; 
I  exhort  you  to  raise  your  hearts  unto  God  in  prayer, 
devoutly  relying  on  the  sure  promise  that  your  hum- 
ble petitions  shall  be  heard  and  accepted. 

I  exhort  you,  moreover,  in  the  name  of  our  Lord 
Jesus,  that  you  draw  near  in  this  sacred  ordinance, 
in  the  lively  exercise  of  faith ;  directing  your  grateful 
attention  to  those  words  of  its  institution,  in  which  the 
blessed  Redeemer  declares,  that  his  body  is  given 
and  his  blood  is  shed  for  our  benefit  and  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sin.  Showing  forth  the  Lords  death,  let  us  me- 
ditate upon  liis  love,  and  rejoice  in  that  grace  which  is 
conferred  through  him  upon  the  children  of  men. 
Let  us  pray. 

Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  thy 
name.  Thy  kingdom  come.  Thy  will  be  done  on 
earth,  as  it  is  in  heaven.  Give  us  this  day  our  daily- 
bread.  And  forgive  us  our  trespasses,  as  we  forgive 
those  who  trespass  against  us.  And  lead  us  not  into 
temptation,  but  deliver  us  from  evil.  For  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever  and 
ever. 

Almighty  and  most  merciful  God,  unto  whom  all 
hearts  are  open  and  all  desires  are  known:  we  rejoice 
and  praise  thee,  that  we  are  permitted  to  come  into 
thy  presence  with  the  full  assurance  that  thou  art  the 
Friend  and  Father  of  the  children  of  men.  Glory  be 
to  thee,  that,  when  all  flesh  had  corrupted  its  way, 
and  the  nations  of  the  earth  were  dead  in  trespasses 
and  sins,  without  the  knowledge  of  thee,  and  without 
hope,  thine  eye  beheld  them  with  pity,  and  thine  arm 
was  outstretched  for  their  deliverance.  Glory  be  to 
thee,  that  in  the  fulness  of  time  thou  didst  send  thine 
only-begotten  and  well-beloved  Son,  not  that  he  should 
be  the  messenger  of  wo,  not  that  he  should  condemn 
the  world,  but  that  the  world  through  him  might  be 


74  the  lord's  supper. 

saved.  Glory  be  to  thee,  that  he  is  made  unto  us 
wisdom,  and  righteousness,  and  sanctification  and  re- 
demption. Glory  be  to  thee,  for  his  precious  disco- 
veries and  doctrines,  for  his  astonishing  works,  and 
for  his  spotless  example.  Glory  be  to  thee,  that  he 
was  made  perfect  through  sufferings,  that  he  humbled 
himself  and  became  obedient  unto  the  death  of  the 
cross,  that  he  is  set  forth  to  be  a  mercy-seat  through 
faith  in  his  blood,  the  propitiation  for  our  sins,  and  not 
for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole  world. 
Glory  be  to  thee,  that  by  his  death  he  has  destroyed 
the  terrors  of  the  grave,  that  he  is  exalted  above  prin- 
cipalities and  powers,  that  a  name  is  given  him  which 
is  above  every  name,  that  he  is  able  to  save  unto  the 
uttermost  all  those  that  come  unto  thee  through  him, 
and  that  he  has  entered  into  heaven  as  our  Captain 
and  Forerunner.  Glory  be  to  thee,  that  means  and 
opportunities  are  afforded  us  for  strengthening  our 
affection  to  thy  dear  Son,  and  for  imbibing  his  holy 
temper  and  disposition.  In  compliance  with  his  sacred 
injunction,  we  would  now  celebrate  his  dying  love, 
profess  his  name  before  men,  take  the  cup  of  his  sal- 
vation, and  triumph  in  his  cross.  And  we  beseech 
thee,  O  most  merciful  Father,  to  accept  this  our  sa- 
crifice of  praise  and  thanksgiving,  and  to  grant,  that 
we  may  obtain  all  the  benefits  which  flow  from  his 
death,  his  resurrection,  and  his  glory.  We  presume 
not  to  come  to  thine  altar,  trusting  in  any  righteous- 
ness of  our  own,  but  in  thine  infinite  compassion  and 
mercy  in  Christ  Jesus.  We  beseech  thee  to  pardon 
all  our  imperfections  and  iniquities,  according  to  the 
gracious  covenant,  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to 
make  with  thy  people  through  him.  We  renounce 
every  passion  and  pursuit,  inconsistent  with  thy  ser- 
vice and  with  the  gratitude  which  we  owe  to  our 
magnanimous  Deliverer.  We  present  and  devote  to 
thee,  O  God,  our  bodies  and  our  souls,  to  be  a  reason- 


the  lord's  supper.  75 

able,  holy,  and  living  sacrifice.  And  we  implore  thy 
gracious  assistance,  that  we  may  be  crucified  unto 
the  world,  and  that  we  may  ever  hereafter  live  by 
the  faith  of  thy  Son,  who  loved  us  and  gave  himself 
for  us.  In  all  the  circumstances  of  this  mortal  life, 
may  we  tread  in  his  footsteps  with  increasing  fidelity 
and  delight.  Though  we  see  him  not,  may  we  re- 
joice in  him  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory  ; 
and  at  last  receive  the  end  of  our  faith,  even  the  sal- 
vation of  our  souls. 

Blessed  be  thou,  O  God,  that  peace  on  earth,  and 
good-will  to  men,  is  proclaimed  from  heaven.  Blessed 
be  thou,  the  Son  of  the  Most  High,  who  hast  redeem- 
ed us  by  thy  blood,  and  made  us  kings  and  priests 
unto  God.  Blessing  and  honour,  and  glory  and 
power,  be  unto  Him  that  sitteth  on  the  throne,  and 
unto  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 

"  Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  night  in  which  he 
was  betrayed,  took  bread ;  and  when  he  had  given 
thanks,  he  brake  it,  and  gave  it  unto  his  disciples, 
saying,  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body  which  is  given 
for  you.  Do  this  in  remembrance  of  me.  And,  at 
the  same  time,  after  supper,  he  took  the  cup,  gave 
thanks,  and  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  Drink  ye  all 
of  this  :  this  cup  is  the  New  Testament  in  my  blood, 
which  is  shed  for  you  and  for  many,  for  the  remis- 
sion of  sins.  Do  this,  as  often  as  ye  drink  it,  in 
remembrance  of  me." 

Thus  commanded  and  invited,  let  us  approach  the 
table  of  the  Lord,  my  brethren,  with  devotion  and 
faith,  with  gratitude  and  charity,  with  penitence  and 
holy  joy.  In  the  name  of  Christ,  our  common  and 
only  Master,  I  say  to  all  who  own  him  as  their  Saviour, 
and  resolve  to  be  his  faithful  subjects  :  ye  are  welcome 
to  this  feast  of  love. 

When  the  minister  presents  the  bread  to  the  com' 
48* 


76  the  lord's  supper. 

municants,  he  says  to  them  :  Jesus  said,  take  and  eat ; 
this  is  my  body  which  is  given  for  you.  Do  this  in 
remembrance  of  me. 

When  the  minister  delivers  the  cup  to  them,  he 
says  :  Jesus  said,  drink  ye  all  of  this  ;  this  cup  is  the 
New  Testament  in  my  blood,  which  is  shed  for  you 
and  for  many,  for  the  remission  of  sin.  Do  this  in 
remembrance  of  me. 

The  minister  is  at  liberty  to  substitute  any  other 
words  in  the  place  of  these;  and  it  is  desirable,  that 
he  should  endeavour  to  keep  alive  the  devotion  of  the 
communicants  by  appropriate  addresses  to  them,  or 
by  suitable  passages  of  scripture  like  the  following  : 
John  iii.  16.  Matth.  xi.  28, 29,  30.  John  xv.  13.  Rom. 
iii.  24,  25.  Rom.  v.  7,  8.  Rom.  viii.  1.  Rom.  viii.  32. 
34.    2  Cor.  v.  19.    1  Tim.  i.  15.    1  John  ii.  1,  2.   iv. 

10.  Isaiah  i.  16,  17,  18.  Isaiah  lv.  7.  Ezekiel  xxxiii. 

11.  Hebrews  xii.  22,  23,  24.  2  Tim.  ii.  11,  12,  13. 
Rom.  viii.  17,  18.  1  Cor.  ii.9.  xv.  55,  58,  57.  1  John 
iii.  2.  John  xiv.  2,  3.  These  express  the  comfort 
and  hope  of  Christians.  The  sanctity  of  our  profes- 
sion, as  followers  of  Christ,  is  exhibited  in  such  as 
these  :— Matth.  v.  3—10.  Matth.  v.  48.  Matth.  vii.  12. 
Matth.  vii.  21.  John  xiii.  14,  15.  John  xiv.  23.  xv.  4, 
5,  G.  8.  10.  12.  14.  John  v.  28,  29.  Acts  xvii.  31. 
Rom.  vi.  22,  23.  viii.  6.  9.  13,  14.  xii.  9,  10,  11,  12, 
13,  14,  15.  1  Cor.  xv.  58.  Gal.  v.  22,  23,24.  Philipp. 
ii.  5.  iii.  20.  Coloss.  iii.  1,  2,  3.  1  Tim.  iv.  8.  Titus 
ii.  11,  12,  13,  14.  Hebrews  xii.  1,2.  14.  James  ii.  26. 
1  Peter  ii.  21,  22,  23.  1  John  i v.  1 1.  16.  20.  Rev.  iii. 
11.  21.  ii.  10. 

When  all  have  received  the  communion,  the  minis- 
ter addresses  the  congregation. — 

O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  "  for  he  is  good ;  and 
his  mercy  endureth  for  ever." 
Let  us  pray. 

Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father !  we,  thine  un 


the  lord's  supper.  77 

worthy  servants,  offer  unto  thee  our  united  thanks 
for  the  comfort  and  refreshment,  the  instruction  and 
improvement,  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  afford 
us  in  the  commemoration  of  the  life,  the  death,  and 
the  glory  of  thy  blessed  Son.  How  can  we  ever  be 
sufficiently  grateful  to  thee,  for  preparing  such  a  table 
for  us  in  the  wilderness  of  this  world  !  What  good 
thing  can  we  ever  want,  whilst  we  have  thee  for  our 
Shepherd  ?  What  mercy  wilt  thou  refuse  to  those, 
whom  thou  hast  redeemed,  not  with  corruptible  things, 
but  with  the  precious  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  !  What 
consolation  and  joy  are  poured  into  our  hearts,  whilst 
we  contemplate  him  crucified  and  risen  again,  triumph- 
ing over  all  his  foes  and  ours,  seated  at  thy  right 
hand,  and  raising  his  disciples  to  his  own  glory  and 
happiness  ! 

O  God  !  grant  that  we  may  be  made  conformable 
unto  his  death,  and  experience  more  and  more  per- 
fectly the  power  of  his  resurrection.  As  we  have 
now  received  the  Lord  Jesus  for  our  Saviour  and 
King,  help  us  to  walk  in  him,  to  be  transformed  into 
his  image,  and  to  rely  with  invincible  faith  upon  his 
promises.  May  we  demonstrate  our  love  to  him  by 
constantly  keeping  his  commandments.  May  we 
make  his  cause  our  own  personal  concern,  labour  to 
promote  it  with  all  our  powers,  and  rejoice  in  every 
instance  of  its  success.  Having  professed  ourselves 
brethren,  members  of  the  same  spiritual  body,  may 
we  ever  be  careful  to  exercise  friendship  and  kind- 
ness towards  all  men ;  and  help  each  other,  to  the 
best  of  our  ability,  in  our  journey  to  the  land  of  im- 
mortality. May  the  sentiments  and  resolutions,  which 
we  now  entertain,  animate  us  in  all  the  changes  of 
this  transitory  state.  May  we  go  forth  into  the  world, 
candidates  for  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away, 
looking  habitually  unto  Jesus,  the  author  and  finisher 
of  our  faith,  and  anticipating  his  second  coming  with 


78  THE  CONSECRATION 

exalted  and  immoveable  hope.  Under  the  trials  and 
temptations  of  life,  may  thy  grace  be  sufficient  for  us, 
and  thy  Providence  and  Spirit  sustain  and  comfort  us. 
In  the  hour  of  death,  may  we  commend  our  souls  to 
thee,  with  the  humble,  joyful  assurance  of  forgiveness 
and  acceptance  through  our  great  Mediator.  And 
when  he  shall  appear,  may  we  also  appear  with  him 
in  glory,  be  acknowledged  as  his  disciples  before  an- 
gels and  men,  and  be  added  to  the  general  assembly 
and  church  of  the  first-born  in  heaven. 

Finally,  we-  beseech  thee,  O  most  merciful  God  !  to 
extend  the  advantages,  which  we  enjoy  this  day,  to 
all  mankind.  Have  pity  upon  all  Jews,  Heathens, 
Mahometans,  and  unbelievers.  Take  from  them  all 
ignorance,  hardness  of  heart,  and  contempt  of  thy 
word ;  and  let  them  be  saved  among  those  who  wor- 
ship and  serve  thee  in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Grant, 
that  all  Christians  may  love  each  other  as  one  fold, 
having  one  Shepherd,  and  be  careful  to  maintain  good 
works.  Comfort  every  sorrowful  heart.  And  vouch- 
safe to  unite  the  whole  human  family  in  endless  har- 
mony and  felicity,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and 
Saviour.     Amen. 

The  service  is  concluded  with  a  hymn  and  one  of 
the  usual  benedictions. 


SECTION  XII. 

A  FORM  FOR  THE  CONSECRATION  OF  A 
CHURCH. 

After  the  singing  of  an  appropriate  hymn,  the  offi- 
ciating minister  may  say : 

Dearly  beloved, 
Man  is  a  social  as  well  as  a  moral  being ;  and  the 
Wants  and  mercies  common  to  all,  as  well  as  the  ex- 


OF  A  CHURCH.  79 

press  commands  of  our  Maker,  prompt  us  to  social 
acts  of  devotion.  For  their  due  performance,  it  is 
necessary,  not  only  that  special  seasons,  but  also  that 
particular  places,  should  be  appropriated.  Conve- 
nience and  utility  obviously  require  them :  the  erec- 
tion of  them  is  sanctioned  by  the  divine  appointment 
of  the  tabernacle  and  temple  under  the  old  dispensa- 
tion ;  the  importance  of  frequenting  them  is  enforced 
by  the  example  of  our  blessed  Saviour  and  the  lessons 
of  his  apostles  ;  and  the  consecration  of  them  to  the 
service  of  the  Most  High,  or  the  separation  of  them 
from  worldly  and  common  uses  is  desirable,  that 
when  we  meet  together  for  religious  purposes,  no 
thought  or  emotion  may  be  enkindled  by  the  place, 
foreign  to  that  momentous  object. 

For  such  a  consecration  we  are  now  assembled. 
In  the  name  of  the  society  by  which  this  building  has 
been  reared,  I  therefore  pronounce  it  to  be  set  apart 
henceforth  for  offices  sacred  and  divine.  We  dedi- 
cate it  to  the  honour  of  Almighty  God,  our  heavenly 
Father;  for  the  offering  up  to  him  of  praise  and 
prayer ;  for  the  celebration  of  his  Sacraments :  for  the 
reading  and  expounding  of  his  word.  We  dedicate 
it  to  the  maintenance  and  extension  of  the  gospel  of 
his  only  Son,  the  Enlightener  and  Redeemer  of  the 
world ;  to  the  influences  of  his  Spirit,  the  Spirit  of 
truth  and  holiness:  to  the  promotion  of  Christian 
unity,  peace,  and  charity.  And  I  beseech  you  to  ac- 
company me  in  looking  up  to  the  throne  of  heavenly 
grace  for  God's  blessing  upon  this  interesting  and  use- 
ful design. 

Thou  art  worthy,  O  Lord,  to  receive  glory  and 
honour,  for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  by  thee 
they  are  constantly  supported  and  upheld.  Great  and 
marvellous  are  thy  works.  Lord  God  Almighty!  just 
and  true  are  thy  ways,  thou  King  of  saints !  Who 
shall  not  fear  thee,  and  glorify  thy  name  %    for  thou 


80  THE  CONSECRATION 

only  art  holy.  All  nations  shall  come  and  wor* 
ship  before  thee ;  for  thy  judgments  are  made  mani- 
fest. 

The  heavens,  yea,  the  heaven  of  heavens  cannot 
contain  thee  :  yet  adored  be  thy  name,  that  thou  art 
inviting  us  to  communion  with  thyself  the  everlasting 
fountain  of  light,  love,  and  joy.  Adored  be  thy  name, 
that  it  is  life  eternal,  to  know  thee,  the  only  true  God, 
and  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou  hast  sent.  Adored  be 
thy  name,  that  thy  service  is  perfect  freedom,  and 
that  in  keeping  thy  commandments  there  is  a  great 
reward. 

Accept  our  thanks,  Parent  of  mercies,  for  disposing 
thy  servants  to  erect  this  house  for  thine  honour  and 
the  edification  of  immortal  souls.  Accept  the  conse- 
cration of  it  to  thy  service,  to  the  religion  of  Jesus 
Christ  thy  Son,  to  the  operation  of  thy  Holy  Spirit. 
Look  down  in  mercy  upon  this  sanctuary,  to  protect 
it  from  every  danger;  and  upon  all  who  shall  assem- 
ble here  from  time  to  time,  to  gladden  them  with  thy 
blissful  presence.  Accomplish  in  their  behalf  O 
Lord,  thy  promise  to  dwell  in  the  midst  of  them,  that 
thou  mayst  be  their  God,  and  that  they  may  be  thy 
people.  May  they  always  enter  thy  sanctuary  with 
reverence,  and  never  leave  it  without  a  blessing. 
And  whatsoever  they  here  do  in  word  or  deed,  may 
they  do  it  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

Grant,  O  God,  that  all  who  shall  in  this  place  be 
received  into  Christ's  church  by  baptism,  may  become 
and  continue  his  true  disciples ;  and  that  all  who  shall 
here  confirm  the  vows  made  at  their  baptism,  may 
fulfil  the  same  to  the  end  of  their  lives. 

Grant,  O  God,  that  all  who  shall  in  this  place 
commemorate  the  death  of  thy  Son,  who  loved  us 
and  gave  himself  for  us,  may  approach  his  table  with 
a  Christian  temper  of  mind,  habitually  adorn  their  pro- 


OF  A  CHURCH.  81 

fession,  and  rejoice  in  the  blessings  of  the  everlasting 
covenant. 

Grant,  O  God,  that  whenever  thy  word  shall  here  be 
read  and  preached,  it  may  be  delivered  in  its  purity  and 
power,  be  received  into  good  and  honest  hearts,  and 
be  rendered,  by  thy  mighty  aid,  productive  of  the 
fruits  of  righteousness  and  godliness. 

Grant,  O  God,  that  all,  who  shall  within  these 
walls  show  forth  thy  praise,  give  thee  thanks  for  thy 
mercies,  confess  to  thee  their  sins,  and  supplicate  thy 
favours  for  themselves  and  their  fellow-men,  may  wor- 
ship thee  in  spirit  and  truth,  obtain  from  thee  forgive- 
ness and  acceptance,  rely  upon  thee  with  unwavering 
confidence,  and  go  hence  persuaded,  that  this  is  in- 
deed a  house  of  God  and  a  gate  of  heaven. 

"  Save  now,  O  Lord,  we  beseech  thee ;  send  now 
prosperity.  Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy  servants, 
thy  glory  unto  their  children  ;  and  let  the  beauty  of 
the  Lord  our  God  be  upon  us."  And,  "  being  built 
upon  the  foundation  of  the  prophets  and  apostles, 
Jesus  Christ  himself  the  chief  corner-stone,  may  we 
now  grow  unto  a  holy  temple  in  the  Lord ;"  and  finally, 
by  thy  grace,  be  received  into  that  temple  not  made 
with  hands,  in  wrhich  everlasting  hallelujahs  ascend  to 
thee.     Amen. 

Portions  of  scripture,  proper  to  be  read  on  such 
an  occasion,  may  be  found  in  1  Kings  viii.  22 — 62. 
Psalm  xxiv.  Psalm  lxxxiv.  John  iv.  20 — 24.  Acts 
xvii.  22 — 31.  Colossians  hi.  12 — 17.  and  Hebrews  x. 
19—29. 


S2  THE  ORDINATION 


SECTION  XIII. 

A  FORM  FOR  THE  ORDINATION  OF 
A  MINISTER. 

The  service  may  be  introduced  with  the  usual 
religious  exercises,  followed  by  a  sermon  suited  to  the 
occasion:  after  which,  this  or  any  similar  prayer 
may  be  used.  r     * 

ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  the  Father  of 
lights,  from  whom  cometh  every  good  and  perfect 
gilt !  we,  thine  unworthy  servants,  would  praise  and 
magnify  the  riches  of  thy  grace,  in  the  ample  provi- 
sion thou  hast  made  for  our  instruction  and  improve- 
ment, and  especially  in  the  glorious  gospel  of  thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ.     We  rejoice,  that  the  great  salvation, 
which  at  first  began  to  be  spoken  by  the  Lord,  was 
confirmed   unto  the  world  by  them  "that  heard  him 
thou  thyself  bearing  them  witness  with  signs  and  won- 
ders, and  gifts  of  the  Holy  Ghost.     We  thank  thee 
tor  the  diffusion  and  establishment  of  Christianity 
tor  all  its  triumphs  over  error  and  vice:  for  all  the 
benefits  it  has  conferred  upon  individuals  and  com- 
munities.    We  bless  thee,  that  in  thy  good  providence 
thou  hast  raised  up  in  every  age,  and  art  still  raisins 
up,  pastors  and  teachers,  for  the  defence  and  propa- 
gation of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  for  the  direction 
ot  the  offices  of  social  worship,  and  for  the  promotion 
of  the  influence  of  religion  and  virtue.     And  we  be- 
seech thee,  O  Lord,  to  sanctify  and  govern  thy  church 
by  thy  word;  to  extend  it  to  earth's  remotest  bounds- 
to  send  forth   more  labourers  into  thy  harvest-    to 
communicate  a  divine  energy  to  all  who  minister  in 
holy  things;  and  to  help  all  who   call  themselves 
Uinstians,  to  increase  continually  in  faith,  hope,  and 
chanty.     "Be  merciful  unto  us,  and  bless  us,  and 


OF  A  MINISTER.  83 

cause  thy  face  to  shine  upon  us.  Let  thy  way  be 
known  upon  earth,  thy  saving  health  among  all  na- 
tions. Let  the  people  praise  thee,  O  God ;  yea,  let 
all  the  people  praise  thee.     Amen." 

Selections  from  the  Scriptures  may  then  be  read  ; 
such  as  John  x.  1 — 16.  Ephesians  iv.  1 — 17.  and 
portions  of  the  epistles  to  Timothy  and  Titus:  after 
which  the  minister  to  be  ordained  maybe  addressed 
in  the  following  or  similar  questions. 

Do  you  firmly  believe,  that  the  gospel  of  Christ  is 
the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that 
believeth  ? 

Are  you  entirely  satisfied,  that  the  Sacred  Scrip- 
tures of  the  Old  and  New  Testament  contain  a  full 
account  of  the  religion  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and 
of  all  things  necessary  for  eternal  salvation? 

Are  you  determined  to  study  these  Holy  Scriptures 
with  diligence  and  fidelity :  to  make  them  the  direc- 
tory of  your  faith  and  practice ;  from  them  to  derive 
the  religious  instructions  you  shall  dispense  to  others  ; 
to  teach  nothing,  but  what  you  are  persuaded  may  be 
proved  from  them:  and  to  conduct  public  worship,  to 
administer  the  sacraments,  and  to  exercise  admoni- 
tion and  discipline,  according  to  the  institutions  and 
precepts  contained  in  them? 

Are  you  resolved  to  apply  yourself  to  those 
branches  of  learning,  which  may  further  prepare  you 
for  the  ministry,  and  assist  you  in  the  discharge  of 
its  duties ;  to  maintain  an  exemplary  walk  and  con- 
versation in  a  godly,  righteous,  and  sober  life ;  to  live 
in  harmony  with  your  brethren,  in  peace  with  your 
fellow-Christians  generally,  and  in  good-will  toward 
all  mankind  ? 

Are  you  determined  faithfully  to  observe  the  con- 
stitution and  rules  of  this  Ministerium,  whilst  you  are 
connected  with  it ;  and  to  show  a  due  regard  to  the 
49 


84  THE  ORDINATION 

rites,  usages,  and  privileges  of  the  church,  in  which 
you  are  invited  to  labour  1 

Satisfactory  answers  having  been  made  to  these 
questions,  the  President  of  the  ministerium  shall  pro- 
nounce  the  candidate  invested  with  the  ojf.ee  of  a 
minister  of  the  gospel,  and  welcome  him  to  his  work. 
After  which,  he  and  the  other  officers  of  the  ministe- 
rium, or  some  of  the  elder  clergymen,  laying  their 
right  hands  on  the  head  of  the  minister  to  be 
ordained,  the  president  offers  up  this  prayer  or  any 
other  of  a  similar  tenour. 

O  most  merciful  God,  our  heavenly  Father,  the 
protector  of  them  that  trust  in  thee,  the  rewarder  of 
all  that  diligently  seek  thee ;  without  whom  nothing 
is  strong,  nothing  is  holy  !  we  beseech  thee  graciously 
to  behold  this  thy  servant,  now  set  apart  for  the  mo- 
mentous office  of  a  minister  of  thy  gospel,  and 
a  pastor  in  thy  church,  and  to  enrich  him  with  all  the 
gifts  necessary  to  the  right  performance  of  the  same. 
Let  it  please  thee  to  impress  his  soul  with  just  views 
of  that  religion  which  he  is  bound  to  recommend  to 
others,  in  all  its  momentous  facts,  heavenly  doctrines, 
righteous  statutes,  awakening  motives,  and  encourag- 
ing promises ;  and  with  a  deep  sense  of  that  solemn 
account  of  his  stewardship,  which  thou  wilt  hereafter 
demand  from  him.  Pour  out  upon  him  more  and 
more,  we  pray  thee,  the  spirit  of  wisdom,  purity,  and 
power ;  and  animate  his  heart  with  entire  devotion  to 
thy  service,  with  ardent  attachment  to  his  Master, 
Jesus  Christ,  with  generous  concern  for  the  souls  of 
men.  Command  thy  blessing  on  his  private  studies 
and  his  public  labours ;  that  he  may  approve  himself 
an  able  minister  of  the  new  covenant,  a  workman  that 
need  not  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  truth 
Assist  him  to  take  heed  unto  himself  that  he  may 
maintain  an  amiable  and  useful  character  in  every 
relation,  and  be  supremely  solicitous  to  commend  him- 


OF  A  MINISTER.  88 

self  to  thee,  regarding  it  as  a  very  small  thing  to  be 
judged  of  men.  Vouchsafe  to  support  him  amidst 
tke  toils,  difficulties,  and  dangers,  to  which  he  shall  be 
called;  to  cheer  him  with  the  affectionate  regards  of 
the  people,  with  whom  he  shall  be  muted ;  and  to 
comfort  lrim  by  the  expectation  of  that  glorious  re- 
compense, which  the  chief  Shepherd  of  thy  flock  shall 
bestow  upon  his  faithful  followers.  Prosper  him,  we 
entreat  thee,  in  every  endeavour  to  train  up  the  young 
in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord;  to  turn 
the  ignorant  and  the  wicked  from  the  error  of  their 
ways  to  the  wisdom  of  the  just;  to  establish  the  well- 
disposed  in  piety,  virtue,  and  peace ;  and  to  impart 
the  sweet  consolations  of  the  gospel  to  all  that  are  in 
sorrow  and  affliction.  Should  any  of  his  efforts  fail 
to  be  successful,  preserve  him,  O  Lord,  from  being 
wearied  and  faint  in  thy  cause.  And  at  the  second 
coming  of  thy  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  to  judge  the  world, 
may  it  please  thee  to  give  him  many  as  the  crown  of 
his  rejoicing,  and  to  unite  him  in  heavenly  places  with 
all  those  who  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  fir- 
mament and  as  the  stars  for  ever  and  ever.  Grant 
it,  0  most  merciful  God,  we  beseech  thee,  for  thy 
goodness'  sake,  through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Mediator 
and  Redeemer.     Amen. 

The  hand  of  fellowship  having  been  given  by  the 
ministerial  brethren  present,  a  charge  is  addressed 
to  the  minister  ordained,  and  also  to  his  congrega- 
tion, if  witnesses  of  the  rite.  A  suitable  hymn,  and 
the  benediction,  close  the  service. 


86  THE  INAUGURATION 

SECTION  XIV. 

A  FORM  FOR  THE  INAUGURATION  OF 
THE  RULING  OFFICERS  OF  A  CONGRE- 
GATION. 

N.  B.  The  Lutheran  churches  in  this  country,  al- 
though united  in  Synods,  having,  independently  of 
each  other,  framed  such  regulations  as  each  judged 
most  expedient  and  necessary  for  its  own  government, 
do  not  entirely  agree  in  the  names  and  powers  of  their 
rulers;  and,  hence,  only  the  general  appellation, 
"ruling  officers,"  is  used  in  this  form. 

The  minister,  having  presented  the  thanks  of  the 
Congregation  to  those  officers  whose  term  of  service 
had  expired,  and  having  published  the  names  of 
those  duly  elected  agreeably  to  the  constitution  of 
the  church,  may  deliver  the  following  or  any  similar 
address. 

My  Christian  Friends, 
Order  is  the  soul  of  every  religious,  as  well  as  ci- 
vil society  ;  and  the  strictest  order  is  compatible  with 
freedom  of  conscience.  A  congregation  cannot  con- 
duct the  solemnities  of  public  worship  with  propriety, 
without  confusion,  and  to  its  own  edification,  or  carry 
on.  its  outward  affairs  with  success,  unless  some  per- 
sons are  appointed  to  rule  according  to  prescribed 
laws.  Even  in  the  time  of  the  apostles,  churches 
were  not  only  provided  with  regular  teachers,  but 
each  of  them  was  also  placed  under  the  care  of  par- 
ticular inspectors,  whose  office  it  was  to  secure  and 
promote  its  prosperity. 

The  same  duty  is  incumbent  upon  "  the  Council" 
of  this  church.  They  are  to  take  care,  that  "  all 
things  be  done  decently  and  in  order;"  that  the  ser- 
vice of  God's  house  be  performed  in  a  manner  cor- 


OF  CHURCH  OFFICERS.  87 

responding  with  the  importance  of  this  object,  and  the 
puritv  and  simplicity  of  the  gospel ;  that  the  necessary- 
instruction,  consolation,  and  excitement  to  the  prac- 
tice of  godliness  and  virtue,  be  afforded  to  the  young 
and  the  old ;  and  that  Christian  morals  be  cultivated 
and  preserved  among  the  members  of  the  congrega- 
tion. They  are  bound  to  endeavour  to  restore  such 
as  are  overtaken  in  a  fault,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness  ; 
to  admonish  and  warn  open  offenders :  and,  if  neces- 
sary, to  reprove  them  with  the  utmost  seriousness, 
with  a  view  to  recover  them  from  the  error  of  their 
ways.  They  are  to  be  particularly  solicitous  to  pre- 
vent litigation  and  strife,  to  bring  about  a  speedy  re- 
conciliation between  contending  parties,  to  relieve  the 
poor,  and  to  encourage  and  spread  as  much  as  possi- 
ble a  spirit  of  harmony,  friendship,  and  brotherly  love 
among  all  who  are  connected  with  this  society.  And 
they  are  to  employ  all  proper  means,  at  the  same 
time,  for  advancing  the  external  welfare  of  the  church, 
and  for  increasing  its  ability  to  give  assistance  to  si- 
milar institutions,  and  to  aid  others  in  the  diffusion  of 
the  divine  word. 

The  officers  elect  standing  before  the  altar,  the 
minister  says  to  them  : 

These,  my  brethren,  are  the  chief  duties,  which 
you  have  been  chosen  to  fulfil.  That  the  congrega- 
tion may  be  certified  of  your  willingness  to  discharge 
them,  I  ask  you,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  of  your 
fellow-worshippers,  whether  you  heartily  believe  in 
the  truth  of  the  Christian  religion  ?  whether  you  are 
persuaded  that  you  are  lawfully  called  to  the  service 
of  the  church  ?  and  whether  you  are  determined  to 
administer  its  government  according  to  the  rules  of 
its  constitution,  and  the  spirit  and  precepts  of  the  gos- 
pel ?  If  this  be  your  conviction  and  determination, 
please  to  announce  it  by  aaswering,  "Yes." 

Upon  tills  your  promise,  I  do  hereby  pronounce 
49* 


88  THE  INAUGURATION 

you  to  be  invested  with  the  office  to  which  you  have 
been  elected,  and  give  you,  in  the  name  of  the  con- 
gregation, the  right  hand  of  Christian  fellowship  and 
love. 

Let  us  pray. 
Almighty  God,  our  heavenly  Father !  we  offer  un- 
to thee  our  united  and  thankful  acknowledgments, 
that  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  introduce,  to  extend, 
and  to  support  the  kingdom  of  thy  Son  Christ  Jesus 
on  earth,  and  that  the  gates  of  hell  have  not  been 
able  to  prevail  against  it.  We  praise  thee,  that  we, 
whose  ancestors  were  afar  off,  have  been  brought  to 
the  glorious  light  of  thy  gospel.  We  praise  thee  for 
the  ministry  of  reconciliation,  for  the  ordinances  of 
thy  house,  for  the  comfort,  joy,  and  improvement, 
which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  bestow  upon  us  in 
the  exercises  of  public  worship.  And  we  beseech 
thee,  O  thou  God  of  all  grace  !  to  continue  to  us  these 
inestimable  privileges,  and  to  help  us  to  make  a  wise 
and  constant  use  of  them.  Grant,  that  thy  word  may 
be  preached  among  us  in  its  purity ;  and  that  all  thy 
people  may  be  disposed  to  hear  it  with  attention,  to 
receive  it  with  affection,  and  to  bring  forth  abundant- 
ly the  fruits  of  righteousness.  Forbid  that  any  root 
of  bitterness  should  spring  up  to  trouble  us.  Enable 
us,  whenever  we  assemble  in  this  house  of  prayer,  to 
meet  together  with  one  accord,  to  praise  thee  with 
gladness  and  singleness  of  heart,  and  to  continue 
steadfastly  in  brotherly  fellowship.  If  any  of  us  are 
held  in  the  bonds  of  iniquity  :  we  pray  thee,  O  Lord, 
to  break  the  fetters  of  sin,  and  to  set  the  prisoners 
free.  If  any  of  us  are  penitent  for  their  errors  and 
transgressions :  we  pray  thee  to  perfect  and  console 
them.  If  any  of  us  are  sincerely  devoted  to  thee  : 
we  pray  thee  to  make  them  faithful,  and  to  fill  them 
with  peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  Instruct  and 
guide  our  youth  in  the  path  of  innocence,  that,  as  they 


OF  CHURCH  OFFICERS.  89 

grow  in  stature,  they  may  grow  in  grace  and  in  fa- 
vour with  thee  and  with  men  ;  and  let  the  hoary  head 
be  found  in  the  ways  of  righteousness. — We  implore 
thy  blessing,  especially,  for  thy  servants,  who  have 
been  called,  in  thy  Providence,  to  direct  the  concerns 
of  this  part  of  thy  church.  Give  them,  we  beseech 
thee,  a  large  measure  of  the  Spirit  of  thy  Son,  the 
spirit  of  understanding  and  wisdom,  the  spirit  of  piety 
and  virtue,  the  spirit  of  benevolence  and  charity. 
Replenish  them  with  an  enlightened  and  active  zeal 
for  the  happiness  of  their  brethren.  Assist  them  to 
discharge  their  obligations  with  alacrity,  patience, 
and  firmness :  and  let  all  their  consultations,  influenced 
and  governed  by  Christian  love,  tend  to  thy  glory 
and  the  happiness  of  thy  people.  Help  them  to  shine 
as  lights  before  men,  to  be  exemplary  in  their  fami- 
lies, exemplary  in  their  public  walk  and  conversation, 
exemplary  in  their  observance  of  religious  duties,  ex- 
emplary in  the  performance  of  every  Christian  office. 
While  they  study  to  approve  themselves  to  thee,  may 
they  be  honoured  and  esteemed  by  those  for  whom 
they  labour,  and  rejoice  in  the  assurance  that  their 
work  is  not  in  vain  in  the  Lord.  And,  finally,  grant, 
that  they  and  we  all,  being  built  upon  the  foundation 
of  the  apostles  and  prophets,  Jesus  Christ  himself  be- 
ing the  chief  corner-stone,  may  become  a  holy  tem- 
ple unto  thee. 

Hear  us,  0  God,  of  thine  infinite  mercy,  in  these 
our  petitions,  which  we  offer  up  in  the  name  of  thy 
Son ;  and  thine  be  all  the  glory  and  praise  now  and 
evermore.     Amen. 


90  MATRIMONY. 

SECTION    XV. 

THE  SOLEMNIZATION  OF  MATRIMONY. 

When  the  persons  to  be  married  are  assembled 
with  their  friends,  the  minister  addresses  them, 
saying, 

Dearly  beloved,  we  are  gathered  together  here, 
in  the  sight  of  God,  and  in  the  presence  of  these  wit- 
nesses, to  join  together  this  man  and  this  woman  in 
holy  matrimony ;  which  was  instituted  of  God  himself 
for  the  happiness  of  mankind ;  which  is  commended  in 
his  word  as  an  honourable  state  ;  and  which  is,  there- 
fore, not  to  be  entered  into  unadvisedly  or  lightly,  but 
reverently,  discreetly,  advisedly,  and  in  the  fear  of 
God. 

And  also,  speaking  to  the  persons  who  are  to  be 
married,  he  may  say, 

I  require  and  charge  you  both,  as  ye  will  answer 
at  the  dreadful  day  of  judgment,  when  the  secrets  of 
all  hearts  shall  be  disclosed,  that  if  either  of  you  know 
any  impediment,  why  you  may  not  be  lawfully  united 
in  matrimony,  ye  do  now  confess  it.  For  be  you 
well  assured,  that  if  any  persons  are  joined  together 
otherwise  than  God's  word  allows,  their  marriage  is 
not  lawful. 

If  no  impediment  be  alleged,  the  minister  asks  the 
man, 

N.  Do  you  take  this  woman  to  your  wedded  wife, 
to  live  together  after  God's  ordinance  in  the  state  of 
matrimony  ?  Will  you  love  her,  comfort  her,  honour 
and  keep  her,  as  a  faithful  Christian  husband  is  bound 
to  do,  in  health  and  sickness,  in  prosperity  and  adver- 
sity ;  and,  forsaking  all  others,  keep  you  only  unto 
unto  her,  so  long  as  you  both  shall  live  ? — 
Ans.  Yes. 


MATRIMONY.  91 

The  minister  then  asks  the  woman, 

N.  Do  you  take  this  man  to  your  wedded  husband, 
to  live  together  after  God's  ordinance  in  the  state  of 
matrimony  %  Will  you  love  him,  comfort  him,  ho- 
nour and  keep  him,  as  a  faithful  Christian  wife  is 
bound  to  do,  in  health  and  sickness,  in  prosperity  and 
adversity ;  and,  forsaking  all  others,  keep  you  only 
unto  him,  so  long  as  you  both  live  ? — 
Ans.  Yes. 

Then  the  minister,  joining  their  right  hands  toge- 
ther, may  say  : 

Those,  whom  God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man 
put  asunder. 

Forasmuch  as  N.  and  N.  have  consented  together 
in  wedlock,  and  have  witnessed  the  same  before  God 
and  this  company ;  I  pronounce  that  they  are  man 
and  wife. 

Let  uspray. 

O  Eternal  God,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all 
mankind,  the  giver  of  all  spiritual  grace,  the  author 
of  everlasting  life  :  we  would  acknowledge  thee  in  all 
our  ways,  and  devoutly  implore  thy  direction  and 
blessing.  We  adore  thee  as  the  source  of  our  bene- 
volent affections,  and  of  all  our  social  satisfactions 
and  comforts.  We  praise  thee,  that  thou  hast  ordain- 
ed for  us  domestic  institutions.  And  we  beseech  thee 
to  behold  with  thy  favour  and  to  bless  these  thy  ser- 
vants, who  have  now  entered  into  the  closest  and  ten- 
derest  of  all  earthly  connections.  Help  them  to  ful- 
fil with  fidelity  the  vow  and  covenant  which  they  have 
made  in  thy  presence ;  that  the  relation,  in  which  they 
stand  to  each  other,  may  not  be  to  them  a  state  of 
temptation  and  sorrow,  but  of  holiness,  joy,  and  per- 
fect indissoluble  friendship.  Give  them  grace  to  over- 
look each  other's  infirmities,  to  cherish  a  due  regard 
for  each  other's  opinions  and  feelings,  to  be  just  to 
each  other's  virtues  and  good  intentions,  to  improve 


92  MATRIMONY. 

each  other's  understanding  and  heart,  and  to  travel 
together  hand  in  hand  the  road  which  leads  to  heaven 
and  thee.  Enable  them,  by  persevering  affection,  by 
a  worthy  deportment,  and  by  united  devotions,  to 
soften  to  each  other  the  unavoidable  cares  of  life,  to 
alleviate  its  sorrows,  to  increase  its  innocent  enjoy- 
ments, and  to  edify  their  friends  and  all  around  them. 
Prosper,  we  beseech  thee,  their  useful  worldly  pur- 
suits, if  thine  infinite  wisdom  perceives  this  to  be  good 
for  them ;  and,  should  they  be  visited  with  affliction, 
let  them  find  a  never-failing  Friend  and  Supporter  in 
thee.  And,  having  been  pious,  virtuous,  and  happy 
in  their  connection  here  on  earth,  may  they  be  at  last 
united  in  the  realms  of  everlasting  love  and  bliss, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

The  following  exhortation  may  be  addressed  to 
the  parties  after  marriage. 

It  will  be  of  great  advantage  and  importance  to 
you,  my  friends,  to  consider  frequently  and  se- 
riously the  sacred  engagement,  which  you  have  now 
made.  Marriage  is  the  union  of  one  man  with  one 
woman  for  their  joint  happiness,  and  for  the  pious 
education  of  children,  where  God  gives  them ;  and, 
by  the  original  appointment  of  the  Almighty,  con- 
firmed by  our  Saviour,  (Genesis  ii.  24.  Matthew 
xix,  4,  5,  6.)  this  union  is  to  be  dissolved  only  by 
death.  It  was  intended  by  the  benevolent  Parent  of 
mankind,  not  to  be  a  hard  yoke,  but  a  means  of  pro- 
moting our  true  happiness,  and  of  exercising  us  in 
the  best  and  most  amiable  dispositions.  Let  the  ne- 
cessary care  and  diligence  be,  therefore,  employed 
for  the  accomplishment  of  these  momentous  ends. 
Let  it  be  always  remembered  by  both  of  you,  that 
your  own  welfare  is  concerned  in  the  part  which  you 
act  in  this  relation,  and  that  you  are  accountable  for 
your  behaviour  in  it  to  the  omniscient  and  righteous 
Judge  of  the  living  and  the  dead.     Abhor  and  fly 


MATRIMONY".  93 

from  every  thought,  word,  and  deed,  which  might 
have  the  slightest  tendency  to  lessen  your  mutual 
esteem,  to  taint  the  chastity  and  purity  of  your  hearts, 
and  to  tempt  you  to  the  violation  of  conjugal  fidelity. 
Let  piety,  peace,  concord,  mildness,  and  forbearance, 
be  your  constant  companions  and  guides.  Expect 
not  to  find  each  other  faultless:  but  recollect,  that 
you  are  to  endeavour  to  become  so.  Hope  not  for 
perfect  and  unmixed  happiness  :  while  you  are  in  this 
world,  a  variety  of  trials  must  be  borne:  but,  if  you 
faithfully  discharge  the  duties  of  the  state  into  which 
you  have  entered,  your  afflictions  will  be  mitigated 
and  your  satisfactions  be  multiplied  by  sharing  them 
with  each  other  as  most  intimate  friends  and  partners. 
Be  not  ambitious  of  superiority  and  power ;  but  be 
ambitious  of  the  honour  of  bearing  each  other's  bur- 
dens, of  preventing  each  other's  wishes,  and  of  pro- 
moting each  other's  happiness  by  works  of  love. 
Prefer  the  pleasures  of  domestic  society  to  all  other 
earthly  enjoyments,  and  rest  assured  that  they  are 
the  most  innocent  and  durable.  Be  particularly  care- 
ful to  sanctify  your  connexion  by  devotional  exercises ; 
let  the  God  of  heaven  be  acknowledged  and  worship- 
ped in  your  family :  be  affectionate  instructers,  moni- 
tors, guardians,  and  supporters  of  each  other's  virtue, 
and  examples  to  all  who  may  dwell  under  your  roof. 
Should  God  bless  you  with  children,  let  it  be  your 
chief  concern,  not  that  they  should  be  rich  or  great  in 
the  world,  but  that  they  should  be  educated  as  Chris- 
tians :  and  let  it  be  your  highest  delight  and  your 
noblest  employment,  to  train  them  up  in  the  nurture 
and  admonition  of  the  Lord. — By  following  these 
counsels,  you  will  be  preserved  from  numberless 
evils,  vexations,  and  sins.  By  obeying  these  dictates 
of  religion,  you  will  render  your  days  on  earth  tran- 
quil, possess  a  conscience  void  of  offence,  and  secure 
the  approbation  of  Almighty  God.     And,  by  advanc- 


94     THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

ing  each  other's  best  interests  as  immortal  beings, 
you  will  be  enabled  to  rejoice  habitually  in  the  pre- 
cious hope,  that,  although  you  shall  be  separated  by 
death  for  a  little  while,  you  will  meet  again,  with  new 
improvements,  and  in  happier  circumstances  that  shall 
admit  of  no  termination.  May  God  grant  you  such 
felicity,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 


SECTION  XVI. 
THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

It  is  customary  for  the  minister  to  make  a  short 
and  suitable  address  to  the  family  and  others  icho 
join  the  procession,  at  the  grave,  in  the  church,  or  at 
the  house  of  the  deceased.  After  the  corpse  is  laid 
in  the  grave,  the  minister  may  make  use  of  the  fol- 
lowing form, 

Man,  who  is  born  of  a  woman,  hath  but  a  short  time 
to  live,  and  is  full  of  misery.  He  cometh  up,  and  is 
cut  down  like  a  flower ;  he  fleeth  as  it  were  a  shadow, 
and  never  continueth  in  one  stay. 

In  the  midst  of  life  we  are  in  death.  Of  whom 
may  we  seek  for  succour,  but  of  thee,  O  Lord,  who 
for  our  sins  art  justly  displeased  ? 

Yet,  O  Lord  God  most  holy,  O  Lord  most  mighty, 
O  holy  and  most  merciful  Saviour,  deliver  us  not  into 
the  bitter  pains  of  eternal  death. 

Thou  knowest,  Lord,  the  secrets  of  our  hearts :  shut 
not  thy  merciful  ears  to  our  prayers :  but  spare  us, 
Lord  most  holy,  O  God  most  mighty,  O  holy  and 
merciful  Saviour,  thou  most  worthy  Judge  eternal,  suf- 
fer us  not,  at  our  last  hour,  for  any  pains  of  death  to 
fall  from  thee. 

To  this  prayer  the  minister  may  add  any  other 


THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD.     95 

which  he  shall  judge  proper ;  or  he  may  at  his  dis- 
cretion, use  one  of  the  following  prayers. 

Almighty  God,  with  whom  do  live  the  spirits  of 
those  who  depart  hence  in  the  Lord ;  and  with  whom 
the  souls  of  the  faithful,  after  they  are  delivered  from 
the  burthen  of  the  flesh,  are  in  joy  and  felicity :  we 
give  thee  hearty  thanks  for  the  good  examples  of  all 
those  thy  servants,  who,  having  finished  their  course 
in  "faith,  do  now  rest  from  their  labours.  And  we 
beseech  thee,  that  we,  with  all  who  have  loved  and 
served  thee,  may  have  our  perfect  consummation  and 
bliss,  both  in  body  and  soul,  in  thine  everlasting  glory 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 

O  merciful  God,  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life :  in  whom 
whosoever  believeth  shall  live,  though  he  die;  who 
also  hath  taught  us  by  his  holy  apostle  St.  Paul,  not 
to  be  sorry,  as  men  without  hope,  for  those  who  sleep 
in  him  :  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  O  Father,  to  raise 
us  up  from  the  death  of  sin  unto  the  life  of  righteous- 
ness :  that,  when  we  shall  depart  this  life,  we  may  rest 
in  him;  and  that,  at  the  general  resurrection  in  the  last 
day,  we  may  be  found  acceptable  in  thy  sight,  and 
receive  that  blessing  which  thy  well-beloved  Son  shall 
then  pronounce  to  all  that  love  and  fear  thee,  saying, 
Come,  ye  blessed  children  of  my  Father,  receive  the 
kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  beginning  of  the 
world.  Grant  this,  we  beseech  thee,  O  merciful  Fa- 
ther, through  Jesus  Christ  our  Mediator  and  Redeem- 
er.    Amen. 

Eternal  and  unchangeable  God,  by  whose  Provi- 
dence we  have  been  called  to  witness  this  instance  of 
mortality,  and  in  whose  hand  is  the  life  of  every  hu- 
man being :  enable  us,  we  beseech  thee,  to  lay  to 
heart  the  serious  lessons,  which  are  now  addressed  to 
us.  Teach  us  so  to  number  our  days,  that  we  may 
apply  ourselves  imto  wisdom,  set  our  affections  upon 
50 


96     THE  BURIAL  OF  THE  DEAD. 

the  things  which  are  above,  perform  without  delay 
the  great  work  which  thou  hast  given  us  to  do,  live 
by  the  faith  of  thy  Son,  and  habitually  look  forward 
to  his  second  coming.  Comfort  and  support  the  spi- 
rits of  thy  servants,  who  mourn  over  this  afflicting 
dispensation.  Let  their  hearts  be  stayed  upon  thee, 
and  rejoice  in  the  precious  discoveries  of  thy  word. 
And  let  them  find  by  their  own  experience,  that  all 
things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love  thee. 
Amen. 

Forasmuch  as  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God,  in  his 
wise  Providence,  to  take  out  of  this  world  the  soul  of 
our  deceased  brother,  (sister)  we  therefore  commit 
his  body  to  the  ground ;  earth  to  earth,  ashes  to  ashes, 
dust  to  dust :  looking  for  the  general  resurrection  in 
the  last  day,  and  the  life  of  the  world  to  come,  through 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall  raise  his  followers 
to  the  participation  of  his  own  happiness  and  glory  in 
heaven. 

The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  fellowship  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with 
us  all  evermore.     Amen. 


PRAYERS 


FOE  THE  USE  OF 


FAMILIES   AND   INDIVIDUALS. 


Published  by  order  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Ministerium 
of  the  State  of  New- York. 


PART  I. 


PRAYERS 

FOR    THE    USE    OF    FAMILIES 


1. 

PRAYER  FOR  THE  LORD's-DAY  MORNING. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  the  Father  of  our  spirits,  who  art 
good  to  all  thy  creatures ;  unto  thee  would  we  lift  up 
our  souls,  and  magnify  thy  name  together. 

Thou  hast  made  us,  and  not  we  ourselves :  we  are 
thy  people,  and  the  children  of  thy  family.  We  will 
serve  thee  with  gladness,  and  come  into  thy  presence 
with  thanksgiving. 

Thine  is  the  greatness,  and  the  power,  and  the 
glory,  and  the  majesty.  Every  conceivable  perfec- 
tion centres  in  thy  character.  The  earth  is  full  of 
thy  goodness;  in  thee  we  live,  and  move,  and  have 
our  being.  Through  the  care  of  thy  Providence  we 
continue  to  this  day.  It  is  of  thy  mercies  that  we  are 
not  consumed  :  they  are  new  every  morning ;  great 
is  thy  faithfulness.  We  have  slept  in  safety,  and  are 
risen  in  peace,  for  thou  hast  sustained  us.  We  re- 
joice in  thy  Providence,  and  give  thanks  unto  thee 
with  our  whole  hearts. 

While  we  praise  thee,  heavenly  Father,  for  the 
light  of  the  sun,  we  would  bless  thee,  more  especially, 
50* 


100     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

for  the  light  of  the  gospel  of  Christ  Jesus,  the  sun  of 
righteousness.  We  bless  thee,  that  we  are  called  to  be 
his  disciples  and  partakers  of  his  resurrection  and  glory. 
We  bless  thee,  that,  notwithstanding  our  unworthiness, 
thou  hast  still  continued  unto  us  the  means  of  true  re- 
ligion, and  dost  from  time  to  time  permit  us  to  unite 
with  our  brethren  in  the  public  services  of  thy  house. 
We  bless  thee  for  the  return  of  this  day  of  sacred 
rest,  and  we  desire  to  spend  it  in  the  performance  of 
those  duties  for  which  it  is  set  apart.  Help  us,  we 
beseech  thee,  to  attend  with  earnestness  to  the  things 
that  concern  our  everlasting  peace.  Grant  that  all 
our  sentiments,  words,  and  actions  may  be  holy  and 
unblamable  in  thy  sight.  Direct  us  in  our  private 
meditations  and  in  the  study  of  thy  word.  Fill  us 
with  the  spirit  of  devotion  in  the  society  of  our  fellow- 
worshippers,  and  open  our  minds  to  the  truths  which 
may  be  proposed  to  us  from  the  sacred  oracles  of  re- 
velation. By  attending  upon  the  ordinances  of  reli- 
gion this  day,  may  we  grow  wiser  and  better,  more 
pure  and  holy,  more  meek  and  humble,  more  resigned 
and  thankful,  and  more  heartily  disposed  to  follow 
Christ,  and  to  keep  his  commandments. 

Merciful  God,  we  beseech  thee  to  communicate  the 
happiness,  which  we  enjoy  as  men  and  Christians,  to 
all  our  brethren.  Comfort  those,  who  are  bowed 
down  by  want  or  sorrow.  Let  this  be  a  day  of 
improvement  and  holy  pleasure  to  every  congrega- 
tion of  those  who  profess  the  name  of  thy  Son.  En- 
lighten and  cheer  the  minds,  and  prosper  the  labours 
of  all  the  ministers  of  thy  word.  Cause  thy  name  to 
be  known  in  all  the  earth,  and  let  the  whole  world  be 
filled  with  thy  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


PRATERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     101 

2. 
PRAYER  FOR  THE  LORDVDAY  EVENING. 
FATHER  of  mercies,  by  whose  goodness  we  have 
been  preserved,  we  come  before  thee  to  acknowledge 
the  riches  of  thy  grace.  Thy  name  is  excellent; 
thy  works  are  marvellous  ;  in  thy  favour  there  is  life ; 
and  much  peace  have  they  who  love  thy  laws.  We 
thank  thee  for  all  the  happiness  of  our  lives,  for  the 
stores  of  nature,  for  the  advantages  of  society,  for 
the  comforts  of  friendship,  and  for  the  satisfactions 
which  flow  from  our  domestic  relations.  We  thank 
thee  for  every  opportunity  of  improving  our  mental 
faculties,  for  the  inestimable  discoveries  and  hopes  of 
thy  gospel,  and  for  the  appointment  of  public  wor- 
ship. We  thank  thee  for  the  blessings  bestowed 
upon  us  this  sacred  day.  We  are  ashamed  to  reflect, 
with  how  little  ardour  we  engage  in  thy  work,  and 
acknowledge  before  thee  our  manifold  errors  and  sins. 
Thou  pure  and  perfect  Spirit,  forgive  of  thine  infinite 
compassion  any  distraction  of  mind  or  coldness  of  af- 
fection, which  may  have  attended  the  discharge  of 
our  religious  duties  :  and  assist  us  to  love  thee  more 
and  to  serve  thee  better  in  the  time  to  come.  Pre- 
serve us  from  being  satisfied  with  the  form  of  godli- 
ness. Whatever  seeds  of  truth  may  have  fallen 
into  our  hearts,  grant  that  they  may  take  deep  root 
and  be  abundantly  fruitful.  By  the  lessons  we  have 
learnt,  prepare  us  for  resuming  and  prosecuting  our 
worldly  employments  with  a  becoming  frame  of  mind  ; 
and  help  us  to  pass  through  every  future  scene  of  life 
under  the  guidance  of  Christian  principles. 

Whilst  thou  shalt  see  fit  to  continue  us  in  this 
world,  it  is  our  earnest  desire  and  steadfast  resolution 
to  answer  the  ends  for-  which  thou  hast  made  us.  In 
the  presence  of  each  other,  and  before  thee  the  all-see- 
ing witness  and  judge,  we  do  at  this  time  form  the  most 


102  PRAYERS    FOR    FAMILIES. 

serious  purpose  to  guard  against  all  vicious  appetites 
and  passions,  to  behave  with  fidelity,  prudence,  and 
kindness  towards  one  another,  to  be  diligent  in  the 
business  of  our  several  stations,  to  perform  every  so- 
cial office  with  conscientious  care,  and  to  remember 
the  account  which  we  must  render  unto  thee  for  our 
deportment  here. 

Strengthen  us  by  thy  Spirit,  O  God,  in  this  resolu- 
tion. Protect  us  this  night  against  the  dangers  to 
which  we  may  be  exposed.  And,  when  death  shall 
be  our  lot,  enable  us  to  observe  its  approach  with 
composure,  and  receive  us  into  thy  presence  where 
there  is  fulness  of  joy,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord 
and  Saviour.     Amen. 


3 

PRAYER  FOR  MONDAY  MORNING. 
O  THOU  Creator,  Governor,  and  supporter  of  men ! 
thou  dwellest  in  light,  and  art  the  father  of  lights. 
Grateful  for  the  care  which  thou  hast  exercised  over 
us  during  the  night  past,  we  would  cheerfully  submit 
ourselves  to  thy  guidance  through  the  day  upon 
which  have  entered.  Keep  us  in  thy  faith  and  fear, 
and  secure  us  from  every  evil  of  soul  and  body.  Im- 
press on  our  hearts  a  solemn  sense  of  thy  universal 
presence.  Preserve  us  from  any  snares  which  may 
lie  in  our  way,  and  especially  from  the  sins  which 
most  easily  beset  us.  Prepare  us  for  new  occurrences, 
whether  prosperous  or  adverse,  and  quicken  us  in  the 
discharge  of  every  obligation.  Let  not  continued 
peace  and  comfort  make  us  forgetful  of  thee,  or  cor- 
rupt our  minds. 

Thou  prolongest  our  lives,  that  we  may  attain  more 
and  more  the  true  end  of  life.  May  this  day  witness 
some  improvement  in  knowledge,  piety,  and  virtue. 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     103 

May  it  witness  our  diligence  in  that  occupation,  to 
which  thoucallest  us — We  desire  and  purpose  to  keep 
our  consciences  void  of  offence :  but  the  experience 
which  we  have  had  of  our  frailty  makes  us  diffident 
of  our  strength.  Our  confidence  is  in  thy  power  to 
confirm  our  faith  and  invigorate  our  obedience.  We 
implore  thine  aid,  that  we  may  run  in  the  way  of  thy 
commandments.  Smile  on  our  endeavours  after 
righteousness  and  usefulness.  Teach  us  to  feel  the 
whole  value  of  our  days  on  earth ;  and  when  they 
shall  be  finished,  vouchsafe  to  receive  us  into  the 
light  and  bliss  of  thy  glorious  presence,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  MONDAY  EVENING. 
O  THOU  infinitely  great  and  adorable  Majesty  of 
heaven  and  earth  !  thou  art  ever  present  to  all  thy 
creatures.  Thou  knowest  our  down-sitting  and  our 
up-rising;  thou  compassest  our  path  and  our  lying 
down,  and  art  acquainted  with  all  our  ways. 

Preserver  of  men  !  at  the  close  of  another  day,  we 
would  render  unto  thee  our  thanks  for  all  the  mer- 
cies, by  which  our  lives  have  been  supported  and 
rendered  happy.  Thy  sun  has  cheered  us  with  its 
rays,  thine  air  has  fanned  the  spark  of  life  within  us, 
and  by  thy  goodness  we  have  been  fed  with  food  con- 
venient for  us.  In  grateful  confidence  of  thy  mer- 
cies, we  will  now  lay  ourselves  down  in  peace ;  as- 
sured, that,  if  it  be  thy  will,  we  shall  sleep  in  safety, 
and  rise  on  another  morning  with  renewed  health  and 
vigour.  Forgive  the  transgressions  of  the  past  day 
and  of  all  past  time.  Whatever  has  been  irregular  in 
our  dispositions,  whatever  we  have  done  which  we 
ought  not  to  have  done,  or  omitted  which  we  ought 


104     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

to  have  performed,  be  pleased  mercifully  to  pardon; 
and  grant  that  our  circumspection  in  future  may  be 
increased. 

Hitherto  thou  hast  helped  us,  provided  for  our  ne- 
cessities, and  crowned  our  lives  with  loving  kindness. 
Truly  our  hope  is  in  thee,  and  under  the  shadow  of 
thy  wings  will  we  put  our  trust.  We  dedicate  our- 
selves unto  thee  as  our  God  and  guide  through  life, 
our  support  and  comfort  in  death,  and  after  death  our 
everlasting  portion  and  felicity.  Let  thy  goodness 
continue  to  follow  us ;  and  enable  us  to  express  our 
thankfulness  by  a  growing  holiness  and  resemblance 
of  thee. 

Holy  Watchman  of  thy  people,  who  dost  never 
slumber  nor  sleep  ;  thou  King  eternal,  immortal  and 
invisible  !  unto  thee  be  honour  and  glory  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  TUESDAY  MORNING. 
ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  we  thy  needy 
creatures  render  thee  our  humble  praise  for  thy  preser- 
vation of  us  from  the  beginning  of  our  lives  to  this 
day,  and  especially  for  having  delivered  us  from  the 
dangers  of  the  past  night.  To  thy  watchful  provi- 
dence we  owe  it,  that  we  have  been  kept  in  safety, 
and  that  no  disturbance  hath  come  nigh  our  dwelling. 
For  these  thy  mercies  we  bless  and  praise  thee,  be- 
seeching thee  to  accept  this  morning  sacrifice.  And 
since  it  is  of  thy  goodness,  O  gracious  Father,  that 
our  existence  is  prolonged ;  we  here  devote  both  our 
bodies  and  souls  to  thy  service,  in  a  godly,  righteous, 
and  sober  life.  Strengthen  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in 
this  resolution ;  that,  as  we  grow  in  age,  we  may  grow 
in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge  of  our  Lord  and  Sa- 


PRAYERS    FOR    FAMILIES.  105 

viour  Jesus  Christ.  Have  compassion,  we  pray  thee, 
on  our  infirmities ;  and  give  us  the  constant  assistance 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  be  effectually  re- 
strained from  sin  and  excited  to  our  duty.  Imprint 
upon  our  hearts  such  a  dread  of  thy  displeasure,  such 
a  remembrance  of  the  great  day  of  judgment,  and 
such  a  grateful  sense  of  thy  goodness  to  us,  as  may 
make  us  both  afraid  and  ashamed  to  offend  thee. 
Keep  us  temperate  in  our  enjoyments  and  diligent  in 
our  callings,  just  and  upright  in  our  dealings,  peace- 
able, compassionate,  and  ready  to  do  good  to  all  men. 
Direct  us  in  all  our  ways ;  prosper  the  work  of  our 
hands;  defend  us  from  calamities  and  sufferings;  or, 
if  thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  visit  us  with  them,  enable 
us  to  bear  them  with  patience,  and  to  be  contented 
with  our  condition. — These  things,  and  whatever  else 
is  necessary  and  good  for  us,  we  implore,  with  humble 
reliance  upon  thine  infinite  clemency  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Mediator  and  Redeemer.     Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  TUESDAY  EVENING. 
MOST  merciful  God,  who  art  of  purer  eyes  than  to 
behold  iniquity,  and  hast  promised  forgiveness  to  all 
those  who  confess  and  forsake  their  sins ;  we  come 
before  thee  sensible  of  our  own  unworthiness,  and  ac- 
knowledge our  numerous  transgressions  of  thy  right- 
eous laws.  Look  upon  us,  we  beseech  thee,  with 
compassion  ;  pardon,  of  thy  free  grace,  all  our  errors 
and  sms ;  give  us  proper  views  of  the  great  evil  of 
them ;  amend  the  tempers  and  dispositions  of  our 
souls  ;  and  cleanse  us  from  all  vicious  thoughts,  un- 
lawful designs,  and  inordinate  desires.  May  we  ne- 
ver suffer  the  sun  to  go  down  upon  our  wrath,  but  al- 
ways retire  to  our  rest  in  peace,  charity,  and  good- 


106     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

will,  with  a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards  thee 
and  towards  men. 

Accept,  O  Lord,  our  intercessions  for  all  mankind. 
Be  gracious  unto  thy  church;  let  the  light  of  thy 
gospel  shine  upon  all  nations ;  bless  all  in  authority 
over  us  ;  do  good  to  our  relations,  friends,  and  neigh- 
bours; reward  our  benefactors;  pardon  those  who 
have  done  or  wish  us  evil,  and  give  them  better 
minds ;  be  merciful  to  all  who  are  in  any  trouble ; 
and  do  thou,  the  God  of  pity,  minister  to  their  several 
necessities. 

Receive  our  thanks,  great  God,  for  our  being,  our 
reason,  our  health,  our  friends,  our  food,  our  raiment, 
and  all  the  other  comforts  and  conveniences  of  life. 
Above  all,  we  adore  thy  mercy  in  sending  thine  only 
Son  to  redeem  us  from  sin  and  eternal  death,  and  to 
give  us  the  knowledge  of  our  duty  to  thee.  We 
bless  thee  for  thy  patience  with  us,  notwithstanding 
our  many  and  great  provocations ;  for  all  the  direc- 
tions, assistances,  and  comforts  of  thy  Holy  Spirit; 
and  for  all  thy  benefits  and  favours.  Continue  them 
to  us,  we  beseech  thee ;  and  give  us  grace  to  shew 
our  thankfulness  by  sincere  obedience  to  thy  laws. 

Defend  us  this  night  from  all  dangers  and  mischiefs, 
and  bestow  on  us  such  refreshing  sleep  as  may  fit  us 
for  the  duties  of  the  following  day,  if  it  shall  please 
thee  to  prolong  our  lives.  Make  us  ever  mindful  of 
the  time  when  we  shall  lie  down  in  the  dust ;  and 
grant  us  grace  always  to  live  in  such  a  manner,  that 
we  may  never  be  afraid  to  die.  Whether  living  or 
dying,  may  we  be  thine,  through  the  mediation  of  thy 
Son  Jesus  Christ,  in  whose  name  we  offer  up  these 
our  imperfect  prayers.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.      107 

7. 

PRAYER  FOR  WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 
LORD  God  Almighty,  we  will  praise  thee  with  our 
whole  hearts,  and  shew  forth  thy  goodness  to  the 
children  of  men. 

Thou  hast  placed  the  sun  and  the  moon  in  the  hea- 
vens, to  give  light  upon  the  earth,  and  to  rule  over 
the  day  and  the  night.  All  creatures  wait  upon  thee, 
and  thou  givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season. 

Thou  hast  preserved  us  and  provided  for  us  in  the 
helpless  state  of  infancy,  and  guided  us  in  the  danger- 
ous paths  of  youth.  Thou  hast  supplied  our  daily 
wants,  and  brought  us  to  the  present  moment  in  peace 
and  safety.  Through  the  darkness  of  the  night,  thine 
eye  has  been  upon  us :  and  we  appear  before  thee  this 
morning,  surrounded  with  the  gifts  of  thy  bounty. 

Accept,  0  merciful  Father,  our  unfeigned  thanks- 
givings for  these,  and  for  all  our  spiritual  blessings ; 
and  help  us  so  to  improve  and  apply  them,  that  we 
may  be  happy  in  thy  favour,  both  in  this  world,  and 
that  which  is  to  come. 

May  we  be  in  thy  fear  all  the  day  long,  serve  thee 
with  pure  affection,  and  enjoy  the  good  things  of  life 
in  innocence.  In  our  domestic  relations,  may  we  be 
all  of  one  mind,  love  as  brethren,  and  live  in  peace; 
that  thou,  the  God  of  peace  and  love,  mayest  be  with 
us.  May  all  holy  dispositions  be  established  in  our 
souls,  and  our  lives  be  adorned  with  all  good  actions. 
May  we  rejoice  habitually  in  thy  government,  and  in 
the  hope  of  thine  approbation ;  and  finally  be  received 
into  thine  everlasting  kingdom,  through  thy  grace  in 
thy  blessed  Son,  our  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


51 


108     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

8. 
PRAYER  FOR  WEDNESDAY  EVENING. 
O  MOST  merciful  and  gracious  God !  we  thy  ser- 
vants present  ourselves  before  thee,  this  evening,  to 
render  thanks  unto  thee  for  all  thy  mercies,  to  con- 
fess our  sins,  to  renew  our  good  resolutions,  and  to 
commend  ourselves  to  the  care  of  thy  Providence. 

Blessed  be  thy  name  for  all  the  powers,  supports, 
and  enjoyments  of  our  nature ;  for  all  our  opportuni- 
ties of  securing  happiness ;  for  our  advantages  as  the 
disciples  of  thy  Son,  for  his  doctrines,  precepts,  ex- 
ample, sufferings,  and  resurrection.  Great  is  thy 
goodness  to  us  and  to  all  the  children  of  men ;  and 
we  confess,  that  we  are  not  worthy  of  the  mercies 
which  we  have  received  at  thy  hands.  In  many 
things,  we  have  all  offended.  Thou  knowest  our  fol- 
lies, and  our  sins  are  not  hidden  from  thee.  We  ac- 
knowledge them  with  sorrow  and  penitence ;  we  de- 
sire to  walk  before  thee  in  newness  of  life ;  and  we 
beseech  thee,  who  despisest  not  a  contrite  heart,  to 
pardon  all  our  iniquities  and  to  be  merciful  unto  us. 

Teach  us,  O  God,  to  discern  between  good  and 
evil ;  and  enable  us,  in  the  midst  of  the  temptations 
of  the  world,  to  hold  fast  our  integrity  and  to  perse- 
vere in  well-doing.  Grant,  that  neither  hope  nor  fear 
may  ever  lead  us  to  desire  or  to  do  what  thou  for- 
biddest.  Help  us  to  be  harmless  and  undefiled,  to 
aim  continually  at  the  mark  of  our  high  calling,  and 
to  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith,  that  we  may  obtain 
the  prize. 

Our  outward  circumstances  in  life  we  leave  entire- 
ly to  the  disposal  of  thy  wisdom  and  goodness.  We 
commit  ourselves  to  thy  care  through  the  ensuing 
night  and  the  remainder  of  our  days,  with  a  steadfast 
persuasion,  that,  if  it  be  best  for  us,  thou  wilt  defend 
us  from  evil.     Whatever  thou  shalt  appoint,  help  us 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     109 

to  place  our  whole  confidence  in  thee.  Leave  us 
not,  neither  forsake  us,  O  thou  God  of  our  salvation. 
Bless  our  friends,  and  guide  them  by  thine  unerring 
Spirit.  Have  pity  upon  all  to  whom  wearisome 
nights  and  restless  days  are  appointed.  And  raise 
all  men  to  that  land  of  perfect  felicity,  where  Jesus 
reigns  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


9. 

PRAYER  FOR  THURSDAY  MORNING. 

O  GOD,  the  Giver  of  all  good,  who  delightest  in  the 
happiness  of  thy  creatures !  we  would  raise  our  hearts 
to  thee  in  the  exercise  of  devout  affections.  Having 
daily  united  to  partake  of  thy  bounty,  we  would  unite 
to  give  our  thanks  unto  thee. 

Thou  hast  been  continually  with  us,  rejoicing  to  do 
us  good ;  and  thy  mercies  are  more  than  can  be  num- 
bered. Thou  hast  upheld  our  souls  in  life,  and  been 
our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trou- 
ble. Thou  hast  continually  fed  and  clothed  us,  and 
given  us  many  things  to  enjoy.  When  we  lie  down 
to  rest,  thou  art  our  defence  ;  and  when  we  awake, 
we  are  still  with  thee.  Thou  art  leading  us  by  the 
mediation  of  thy  Son  to  a  better  world,  and  causing 
all  things  to  work  together  for  our  good. 

Father,  we  praise  thee  and  rejoice  in  thy  goodness; 
and  we  desire  at  all  times  to  approve  ourselves  unto 
thee.  Preserve  us,  we  beseech  thee,  from  every  se- 
cret sin.  Dispose  and  assist  us  to  keep  our  hearts, 
and  to  watch  over  our  tongues.  Enable  us  faithfully 
to  obey  thee  in  every  situation,  and  fill  our  minds 
with  religious  veneration  and  gratitude.  Grant,  that 
we  may  heartily  unite  our  endeavours  to  promote 
each  other's  happiness,  bear  with  each  other's  infir- 
mities, reprove  each  other  in  the  spirit  of  meekness, 


110  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

put  away  all  pride  and  envy,  all  discontent  and  fret- 
fulness,  all  suspicion  and  jealousy,  and  travel  together 
with  increasing  affection  to  the  land  of  everlasting 
joy  and  love. 

Encouraged  by  our  past  experience,  we  humbly 
commit  our  persons  and  concerns  to  thy  direction,  and 
confide  in  thine  unbounded  mercy,  as  revealed  and 
pledged  to  us  in  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


10. 

PRAYER  FOR  THURSDAY  EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  who  art  the  Rewarder  of  all  them 
that  diligently  seek  thee  !  receive  in  mercy  the  prayers 
and  the  praises  of  thy  children. 

We  adore  thee  as  the  greatest  and  the  best  of  be- 
ings, the  source  of  all  pcwer,  wisdom,  goodness,  and 
happiness.  Without  thee  we  can  do  nothing  ;  and  on 
thee  we  depend  from  day  to  day.  Thine  energy 
sustains,  thy  presence  animates,  thy  gracious  influence 
blesses  the  universe.  Our  times  are  in  thy  hands ; 
our  advantages  and  sorrows  are  dispensed  by  thy 
Providence.  Thy  mercy  has  given  us  a  Redeemer, 
who  is  able  to  save  unto  the  uttermost ;  and  thine  un- 
merited love  adds  to  our  days  and  satisfactions,  that 
we  may  be  drawn  to  devote  our  hearts  to  thy  service. 

We  confess,  O  Lord,  that  we  have  disobeyed  thy 
laws  and  been  unmindful  of  thy  goodness.  We  la- 
ment with  sincere  sorrow  our  errors  and  transgres- 
sions. We  desire  to  forsake  every  evil  way ;  and  we 
humbly  trust  in  thy  grace  for  the  forgiveness  of  our 
sins.  Being  justified  by  faith,  may  we  have  peace 
with  thee,  be  saved  from  the  dominion  of  vice,  and  be 
filled  with  the  fruits  of  thy  Spirit*.  May  we  be  at  all 
times  sensible  of  the  vanity  of  the  world,  of  the  deceit- 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     Ill 

fulness  of  sin,  and  of  its  certain  tendency  to  make  113 
miserable.  May  we  entertain  just  convictions  of  the 
worth  of  our  own  souls,  and  of  the  value  and  import- 
ance of  the  glory  to  which  we  are  called.  May  we 
set  our  aiFections  upon  the  things  above,  be  armed 
against  the  allurements  and  terrors  of  this  transitory 
state,  and  hold  ourselves  in  constant  readiness  to  de- 
part hence  and  to  stand  before  our  Judge. 

Keep  us  this  night,  Almighty  Guardian,  under  thy 
watchful  eye.  If  it  be  agreeable  to  thy  will,  let  no 
evil  befall  us  or  ours.  Have  mercy  upon  those,  for 
whose  welfare  we  feel  particularly  solicitous.  Com- 
fort and  sustain  all  who  are  in  trouble  and  adversity. 
Order  all  things  for  us  as  seemeth  right  in  thy  sight  ; 
and  do  us  good  now  and  evermore  according  to  thy 
promises  declared  unto  us  by  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
And  through  him  be  glory  unto  thee  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 


11 

PRAYER  FOR  FRIDAY  MORNING. 
ETERNAL  and  incomprehensible  Jehovah,  Father 
and  Friend  of  the  children  of  men  !  we  would  acknow- 
ledge thy  perfections  and  feel  our  dependence  on  thee. 
Thou  art  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  and  with 
thee  there  is  no  variableness  nor  shadow  of  turning 
Thou  art  the  righteous  Lord,  whose  countenance  be- 
holdeth  the  upright.  Thou  acceptest  not  the  persons 
of  men,  but  wilt  render  unto  the  rich  and  the  poor 
according  to  their  works.  Thou  art  good,  and  ever 
ready  to  forgive  the  penitent. 

We  thank  thee,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth,  for  all 

that  thou  hast  done  for  us.     Thou  hast  brought  us 

into  life,  and  continually  watched  over  us.   °Thou 

hast  again  preserved  us,  and  granted  us  the  refresh- 

51* 


112     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

merit  of  quiet  repose.  Through  thy  goodness  we 
appear  before  thee  at  this  time,  in  health  and  ease, 
with  the  free  use  of  our  reason,  and  in  the  enjoyment 
of  many  blessings.  What  shall  we  render  unto  thee 
for  all  thy  benefits  1  We  desire  to  show  forth  thy 
praise,  not  only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives ;  and  to 
spend  this  day,  and  the  remainder  of  our  days,  in  a 
uniform  obedience  to  thy  holy  commands. 

Incline  our  hearts,  we  beseech  thee,  to  thy  precepts. 
Endue  us  with  that  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity, 
which  are  well-pleasing  unto  thee.  Teach  us  to  live 
by  the  faith  of  thy  Son,  who  hath  loved  us,  and  given 
himself  for  us.  Preserve  us  from  thinking  of  our- 
selves more  highly  than  we  ought  to  think,  and  clothe 
us  with  the  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit. 
Assist  us  to  take  heed  unto  our  ways,  to  direct  our 
affairs  with  discretion,  to  be  temperate  in  all  things, 
to  walk  within  our  house  with  perfect  hearts,  and  to 
order  our  whole  conversation  and  conduct  according 
to  thy  will. 

Through  ail  the  changes  of  our  lives,  grant,  O 
God,  that  we  may  be  without  covetousness,  receive 
thy  gifts  with  thankful  hearts,  enjoy  them  with  sobri- 
ety and  benevolence,  and  endure  afflictions  with  such 
patience  that  they  may  work  out  for  us  a  far  more 
exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  And  unto 
thee,  the  God  of  all  consolation  and  grace  in  Christ 
Jesus,  be  endless  honour  and  praise.     Amen. 


12. 

PRAYER  FOR  FRIDAY  EVENING. 
ALMIGHTY  God,  the  Parent  of  all  the  families  of 
the  earth !  we  thy  children  unite  to  present  unto  thee 
the  tribute  justly  due  to  thy  name. 

We  thank  thee,  that  thou  hast  created  us  in  thine 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES,  113 

own  image,  made  us  capable  of  knowledge  and  wis- 
dom, endowed  us  with  social  affections,  and  implant- 
ed in  us  a  sense  of  good  and  evil.  We  praise  thee  for 
our  continual  support,  and  acknowledge  that  thou 
daily  loadest  us  with  benefits.  Above  all,  we  bless 
thee  for  thine  inestimable  love  in  sending  thine  only- 
begotten  Son,  to  instruct,  to  guide,  to  save  us  from 
sin  and  misery,  and  to  elevate  us  to  an  inheritance 
which  is  incorruptible  in  heaven.  We  will  bless  thee, 
O  Lord,  at  all  times ;  thy  praise  shall  be  continually 
in  our  mouths. 

While  we  acknowledge  before  thee,  O  God,  thine 
incessant  bounty  and  eternal  love ;  we  confess  with 
shame,  that  we  have  not  been  as  careful  to  improve 
and  make  suitable  returns  for  them,  as  it  was  our 
duty  to  be.  Though  thou  hast  nourished  and  brought 
us  up  as  children,  we  have  rebelled  against  thee.  But 
we  desire  to  become  wiser  and  better :  and  we  beseech 
thee,  who  art  slow  to  anger,  to  pardon  all  our  trans- 
gression. O  Lord,  show  thy  mercy  upon  us,  and 
grant  us  thy  salvation. 

Lead  us  by  thy  gracious  hand  in  the  path  of  our 
duty :  and,  in  the  time  of  temptation,  let  thy  good 
Spirit  be  with  us,  to  keep  us  from  falling.  May  our 
minds  be  purified  from  all  sinful  affections,  and  be 
deeply  impressed  and  regularly  influenced  by  every 
religious  truth.  May  we  be  steadfast  and  immovable, 
always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

Thou  art  the  Protector  of  all  that  put  their  trust 
in  thee.  We  pray  thee  to  show  compassion  to  such  as 
are  in  pain,  sickness,  or  distress.  We  commend  our- 
selves, our  friends,  and  all  our  concerns  to  thy  holy 
keeping.  Defend  us  by  thy  power,  direct  us  by  thy 
wisdom,  provide  for  us  by  thy  goodness :  and,  when 
our  heart  and  our  flesh  shall  fail,  be  thou,  O  God,  the 
strength  of  our  hearts  and  our  portion  forever.  Amen. 


114     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

13. 

Grayer  for  Saturday  morning. 

O  GOD,  who  givest  unto  all  creatures  life,  and  breath, 
and  all  things  !  we  thy  servants  would  reverence 
thine  infinite  perfections,  and  adore  thee  as  the  foun- 
tain of  all  virtue  and  felicity. 

Thou  art  the  same  in  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness, 
throughout  all  generations.  Thou  upholdest  every 
being  by  thy  mighty  word,  and  preservest  the  regu- 
lar succession  of  day  and  night,  of  summer  and  winter, 
of  seed-time  and  harvest.  By  thine  appointment,  the 
sun  ariseth,  and  man  goeth  forth  to  his  work.  The 
earth  is  thine  and  the  fulness  thereof. 

Blessed  be  thou,  our  merciful  Father,  for  the  pro- 
tection afforded  us,  for  the  refreshment  of  sleep,  for 
our  measure  of  ease  and  health,  for  every  present 
comfort,  and  for  all  our  hopes  of  future  good.  To  thy 
tender  compassion  alone  we  ascribe  them,  and  are 
sensible  of  the  vast  obligation  which  they  lay  upon  us 
to  love  and  serve  thee  with  every  faculty  of  our  bo- 
dies and  souls. 

Let  the  consciousness  of  the  homage  and  fidelity 
we  owe  to  thee  accompany  us  wherever  we  go;  that 
we  may  live  in  all  good  conscience ;  and  that,  whether 
we  eat  or  drink,  or  whatever  we  do,  we  may  do  all 
to  thy  glory.  Teach  us  to  be  prudent  in  ordering 
our  affairs,  industrious  in  performing  the  business  of 
our  stations,  moderate  in  our  desires,  and  innocent  in 
our  enjoyments,  careful  in  redeeming  the  time,  resigned 
under  chastisement,  courteous  and  candid  to  all  around 
us,  equitable  and  compassionate  to  those  with  whom 
we  shall  have  to  deal,  grateful  to  our  friends  and 
benefactors,  and  generous  and  forgiving  to  any  that 
may  injure  or  offend  us.  Let  the  same  mind  be  in 
us,  which  was  also  in  Christ  Jesus.    Enable  us  heartily 


PRA.YERS  FOR  FAMILIES.  115 

to  rejoice  in  his  salvation,  and  cause  all  things  to 
work  together  for  our  eternal  welfare,  through  the 
riches  of  thy  grace.     Amen. 


14. 

PRAYER  FOR  SATURDAY  EVENING. 

GREAT  and  glorious  God !  the  heavens  are  thy 
throne,  and  the  earth  is  thy  footstool.  Thou  art 
nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  thee  in  sincerity  and 
truth.  Thou  art  conducting  thy  children  in  the  path 
of  peace ;  and  thou  continually  affordest  them  the 
supplies  which  they  need. 

We  thank  thee,  that  we  have  been  preserved 
through  another  day  and  another  week.  We  thank 
thee,  that  thine  arm  has  been  our  support,  thy  shield 
our  defence,  thy  Providence  and  Spirit  our  guardian 
and  guide.  We  thank  thee  for  our  personal  and 
family  blessings,  (for  our  deliverance  from  dangers 
and  calamities,)  and  for  every  agreeable  and  happy 
circumstance  of  our  condition.  We  thank  thee,  above 
all,  that  we  are  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  thee 
and  of  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent ;  that  we 
have  the  promises  of  thy  mercy;  and  that,  though 
this  frail  existence  is  fleeting  away,  we  have  the  as- 
sured hope  of  immortal  felicity. — Thy  compassions 
fail  not,  great  God,  though  our  days  on  earth  are 
diminishing.  Be  thou  exalted  above  the  heavens ! 
and  be  thy  sacred  name  praised  for  ever  and  ever ! 

Merciful  Father !  blot  out,  we  pray  thee,  the  sins 
that  have  been  committed  by  us  in  the  week  which 
is  now  drawing  to  a  close,  and  in  the  whole  course  of 
our  departed  days  We  lament,  that  we  have  often 
been  led  astray,  and  have  been  chargeable  with  many 
negligences  and  omissions.  We  confess  them  unto 
thee  with  an  humble  and  contrite  spirit ;  and  beseech 


Il6>  PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

thee  to  cleanse  our  consciences  from  evil  works,  td 
lift  on  us  the  light  of  thy  countenance,  and  to  give  us 
the  blessedness  of  those  whose  transgressions  are 
covered. 

Dispose  us  to  realize  fully,  that  we  are  the  monu- 
ments of  thy  sparing  mercy;  in  order  that  our  hearts 
may  be  consecrated  to  thee.  Illuminate  our  minds 
with  thy  heavenly  truth.  Preserve  us  from  all  false 
judgments  concerning  the  ends  of  living  and  the  way 
to  happiness.  Secure  us  from  the  influence  of  vain 
customs  and  evil  examples.  Increase  our  faith ;  en- 
liven our  hope ;  enlarge  our  charity ;  inspire  us  with 
every  pious,  virtuous,  and  amiable  disposition ;  and  help 
us  to  become  Christians,  not  in  name  only,  but  in  deed. 

Another  step  has  been  taken  towards  eternity; 
week  after  week,  and  month  after  month,  are  passing 
away ;  and  we  know,  that  our  times  are  in  thy  hand, 
and  that  there  may  be  to  us  but  a  few  more  days  in 
this  world.  Gracious  God,  suffer  us  not  to  forget  the 
shortness  and  precariousness  of  life,  or  the  solemnities 
of  judgment  and  eternity.  Prepare  us  to  meet  our 
last  end  with  a  serene  and  peaceful  mind.  Incline  us 
so  to  pass  through  things  temporal,  that  we  may  not 
forget  the  things  which  are  eternal.  Help  us  to  love 
each  other  as  beings,  who  have  each  other's  immortal 
happiness  at  heart ;  and,  after  we  shall  have  been  sepa- 
rated from  one  another  by  death,  be  pleased  to  unite 
us  in  holy  fellowship  before  the  throne  of  God  and 
the  Lamb. 

We  commend  our  bodies  and  our  souls  to  thy  care ; 
and  beseech  thee  to  do  good  unto  all  men.  We  offer 
up  these  our  prayers  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  through 
whom  we  trust  that  we  shall  be  pardoned  and  accept- 
ed now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     117 

15. 

GRACE  BEFORE  AND  AFTER  MEAT. 

Almighty  Father !  the  blessings,  which  we  are 
about  to  receive,  are  thy  gift.  May  they  be  enjoyed 
with  a  sense  of  thy  love  to  us  and  all  mankind. 
Amen. 


We  acknowledge,  heavenly  Father,  that  thou  art 
the  source  of  all  our  enjoyments.  Help  us  to  receive 
thy  bounty  with  grateful,  contented,  and  obedient 
hearts.     Amen. 


The  eyes  of  all  wait  upon  thee,  O  Lord ;  and  thou 
givest  them  their  meat  in  due  season.  Thou  openest 
thy  hand,  and  satisfiest  the  desire  of  every  living 
thing.     Amen. 


Blessed  be  thy  name,  O  thou  author  of  all  good, 
for  this  present  refreshment  and  for  all  other  mercies. 
May  they  strengthen  us  to  the  performance  of  every 
duty  as  disciples  of  thy  Son.     Amen. 


Again  we  experience,  O  God,  that  thou  art  good. 
May  thy  goodness  be  continued  to  us,  and  be  extend- 
ed to  all  mankind.     Amen. 


Thou  hast  afforded  us  another  proof  of  thy  bene- 
volent care,  0  thou  Parent  of  men !  may  it  fill  us 
with  gratitude  to  thee,  and  dispose  us  to  be  kind  to 
others,  even  as  thou  art  kind  unto  us.     Amen. 


118  PRAYERS   FOR   FAMILIES, 

Thou,  Lord,  art  out  Shepherd ;  we  shall  not  want. 
May  we  never  be  wanting  in  our  duty  to  thee ;  and 
may  thy  mercy  follow  us  all  the  days  of  our  lives. 
Amen. 


God  of  compassion  !  thou  fillest  our  hearts  with 
food  and  gladness.  Make  us  duly  thankful,  we  be- 
seech thee ;  and  be  pleased  to  feed  the  hungry,  and 
to  provide  for  all  the  needy,  now  and  evermore. 
Amen. 


Divine  Benefactor !  thou  hast  blessed  our  labours 
for  the  meat  which  perisheth.  Help  us  to  labour 
successfully  for  that  meat  which  endureth  unto  ever- 
lasting life.     Amen. 


16. 

PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY  AT  THE  CLOSE 
OF  THE  YEAR. 

ETERNAL  Jehovah  !  in  thee  we  live  and  move  and 
have  our  being.  In  thy  hand  is  our  breath ;  it  is  be- 
cause thou  hast  sustained  us,  that  we  have  continued 
to  this  day.  With  praise  to  thee,  the  God  of  our  lives, 
we  come  into  thy  presence ;  with  thanks  to  thee,  the 
unfailing  source  of  mercy  !  Thou  didst  bring  us  into 
this  world,  and  place  us  on  this  stage  of  action.  Thou 
didst  uphold  us  in  the  helpless  days  of  infancy,  and 
preserve  us  from  the  innumerable  evils  to  which  we 
were  then  exposed.  We  tasted  of  thy  bounty,  before 
we  were  capable  of  perceiving  the  hand  from  which 
it  came.  With  every  returning  year  thy  favours 
have  been  multiplied  upon  us.     Thou  hast  been  with 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     119 

us  and  hast  helped  us  in  all  our  troubles.  Often  hast 
thou  healed  our  diseases,  removed  our  sorrows,  and 
renewed  our  strength.  Thy  candle  has  shined  upon 
our  tabernacle ;  thy  corn  has  nourished  us ;  thy 
smiles  have  gladdened  our  hearts.  Whilst  many 
have  been  cut  off  and  have  passed  into  an  awful  eter- 
nity, we  are  yet  numbered  with  the  living.  Whilst 
thousands  have  fallen  at  our  right  hand  and  our  left, 
we  continue  to  stand,  witnesses  that  thou  art  good  to 
the  evil  and  unthankful.  Through  the  riches  of  thy 
forbearance  and  long-suffering,  thou  art  continuing  us 
in  a  state  of  trial,  giving  unto  us  space  for  repentance, 
and  favouring  us  with  thy  holy  gospel  and  with  all 
necessary  means  of  grace  and  reformation. 

God  of  compassion,  take  not  thy  Spirit  from  us. 
Continue  to  us  thy  heavenly  blessings.  Prepare  us 
for  future  changes  in  our  condition,  and  let  them  be 
sanctified  to  our  truest  interest  and  happiness.  We 
commit  ourselves  to  thy  care ;  we  devote  ourselves 
to  thy  service  ;  we  refer  all  events  concerning  us  to 
thine  infinite  wisdom  and  fatherly  goodness.  Lead 
us  seasonably  to  consider  the  things  which  belong  to 
our  peace.  Give  us  realizing  views  of  death  and  a 
judgment  to  come.  Enable  us  to  depart  from  the 
world,  when  thou  shalt  call  us  away,  with  tranquillity 
and  comfort  of  mind,  exempt  from  the  terrors  of 
guilt :  and  bring  us  to  the  enjoyment  of  thy  favour 
in  the  realms  of  glory,  through  the  mediation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Lord.     Amen. 


17 

PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY  AT  THE  BEGIN- 
NING OF  THE  YEAR. 
ALMIGHTY  God,  God  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh, 
Preserver  and  Ruler  of  the  children  of  men  !  hear  in 
52 


120     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

mercy  thy  servants,  who  raise  their  hearts  unto  thee. 
We  acknowledge,  that,  in  seasons  past,  we  have  often 
been  too  earnest  about  the  things  of  sense  and  time, 
too  regardless  of  the  objects  of  faith  and  futurity. 
We  confess,  that  we  have  too  often  walked  in  a 
vain  show,  and  disquieted  ourselves  in  vain.  We 
cannot  attempt  to  deny,  that  we  have  been  frequently 
undutiful  and  unthankful.  Wouldst  thou  judge  us 
without  mercy,  we  should  be  utterly  destitute  of  hope. 
Wouldst  thou  deal  with  us  according  to  our  sins, 
we  should  be  miserable  indeed.  But  we  rejoice,  that 
thou  desirest  not  the  ruin  of  thy  creatures,  but  rather 
that  they  should  repent  and  live.  It  is  our  desire  to 
cast  off  all  the  unfruitful  works  of  darkness,  and  to 
walk  as  children  of  the  light  and  of  the  day.  It  is 
our  purpose,  that  this  year  shall  witness  our  greater 
reformation  from  every  thing  that  is  amiss  in  us,  and 
our  increasing  improvement  in  the  graces  of  the 
Christian  character. 

If  it  be  consistent  with  the  purposes  of  thine  in- 
scrutable wisdom,  we  pray  that  our  lives  may  be 
spared  ;  not  merely  that  we  may  enjoy  an  animal  ex- 
istence, but  that  we  may  be  furnished  with  an  oppor- 
tunity of  doing  good  and  becoming  better.  We  com- 
mit all  our  concerns  to  thee ;  and  would  submit  to 
those  circumstances,  which  thou,  who  alone  knowest 
what  is  best  for  us,  shalt  ordain.  If  thou  wilt,  we  de- 
sire the  continuance  of  health  and  comfort.  If  thou 
shouldst  send  sickness  or  adversity  to  us,  may  we  be 
prepared  for  these  and  all  other  changes  of  our 
situation.  If  it  be  thy  decree,  that  this  year  any  of  us 
shall  die  ;  may  we  be  ready  for  our  departure.  We 
dare  not  say,  that  we  will  do  this  or  that :  but  we 
would  cherish  one  resolution,  to  become  and  always 
to  be  such  persons  as  thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  ap- 
prove. 

Heavenly  Father !  do  thou  preserve  us  from  every 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.      121 

injurious  delay.  Let  not  the  night  of  darkness,  in 
which  no  man  can  work,  overtake  us  unawares. 
Forbid,  that  we  should  ever  presume  on  life,  or  boast 
of  to-morrow,  or  be  immoderately  attached  to  earthly 
things.  May  we  always  do  with  diligence  what  thou 
appointest  us  to  perform.  If  death  shall  approach  us 
by  slow  advances,  may  it  find  us  well  employed  ;  and 
if  we  are  suddenly  called  to  exchange  worlds,  may 
it  not  be  our  lot  to  have  treasured  up  fear  and  re- 
morse.— Hear  us,  we  beseech  thee,  in  these  our  sup- 
plications, which  we  offer  up  in  the  name  of  our  great 
Mediator.  And  unto  thee,  the  King  eternal,  immor- 
tal, and  invisible,  be  honour  and  glory,  for  ever  and 
ever,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


18. 
PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY  IN  BEHALF  OF 

A  SICK  PERSON. 
O  GOD,  who  hast  taught  us,  at  all  times  and  in 
every  condition,  to  make  our  requests  known  unto 
thee  !  We  would  adore  thee  as  the  author  and  arbiter 
of  life,  and  the  disposer  of  sickness  and  of  death.  We 
offer  up  our  humble  supplicatious  in  behalf  of  thy  ser- 
vant, who  is  labouring  under  pain  and  disease.  Look 
down  upon  him  (her)  with  mercy:  let  the  considera- 
tion of  thy  goodness  and  wisdom  strengthen  and  com- 
fort his  soul;  and  let  the  precious  doctrines  and  ex- 
ample of  thy  Son  enable  him  to  suffer  with  patience. 
We  pray,  with  submission  to  thy  Providence,  that  thou 
wouldst  be  pleased  to  remove  his  disorder,  and  restore 
him  to  health.  Graciously  prolong  his  days  upon 
earth:  and  grant,  that  his  affliction  may  produce  in 
him  the  fruits  of  righteousness,  to  the  honour  of  thy 
name.  By  the  sadness  of  his  countenance,  may  his 
heart  be  made  better ;  and  may  he  long  live,  to  mani- 


122  PRAYERS   FOR   FAMILIES. 

fest  his  thankfulness  to  thee,  and  to  do  good  in  his 
generation. 

But,  if  this  affliction  should  be  unto  death,  may  thy 
servant  be  prepared  to  give  himself  up  into  thy  hands, 
with  Christian  fortitude,  in  joyful  expectation  of  thy 
mercy  unto  eternal  life.  Give  him  unfeigned  repent- 
ance for  all  his  sins,  and  a  firm  reliance  on  thy  gra- 
cious promises  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord.  May  the 
hope  of  thy  favour  support  him  in  his  last  hour;  may 
he  leave  the  world  in  peace  of  mind,  and  in  charity 
with  all  men ;  and  may  he  be  received  into  thy  hea- 
venly kingdom,  and  be  made  a  partaker  of  that  hap- 
piness, which  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  and 
which  it  hath  not  entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to 
conceive. 

O  God  teach  us  to  be  wise;  console  our  hearts; 
and  command  thy  blessing  upon  thy  servant,  even 
life  evermore,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord  and  Sa- 
viour.    Amen. 


19. 

PRAYER  FOR  A  FAMILY  IN  BEHALF  OF 

A  SICK  CHILD. 
ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  thou  art  the 
fountain  of  all  good,  the  refuge  of  the  distressed,  the 
friend  and  comforter  of  those  who  look  up  to  thy 
throne  for  help.  We  would  offer  up  our  prayers  unto 
thee  in  behalf  of  the  child,  on  whom  thou  hast  seen 
fit  to  lay  thine  afflicting  hand.  We  beseech  thee,  if 
it  be  consistent  with  thy  wise  and  holy  will,  to  bless 
the  means  employed  for  his  recovery,  and  to  raise 
him  up  to  health  and  strength.  Suffer  not  the  wishes 
of  his  parents  to  be  disappointed ;  but  in  thy  great 
mercy  spare  him,  to  be  the  comfort  and  support  of 
their  advancing  years,  and  to  glorify  thy  name  by 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     123 

obeying  thee  and  becoming  useful  in  the  world.  But, 
whatever  thou  hast  determined  concerning  him,  thy 
will,  O  God,  be  done  !  Preserve  us  from  fainting  under 
thy  chastisements ;  and,  if  thou  takest  him  away  from 
the  world,  vouchsafe  to  receive  his  soul  into  that  bless- 
ed land,  where  sorrow  and  death  are  unknown.  Into 
thv  hands  we  commit  him,  ourselves,  and  all  whom 
we  love ;  and  we  humbly  pray,  that,  by  all  the  dis- 
pensations of  thy  Providence,  we  may  be  trained  up 
for  that  state,  where  thou  wilt  wipe  away  all  tears 
from  the  eyes  of  mourners,  and  where  pious  friends 
and  relations  shall  rejoice  with  each  other  for  ever 
and  ever,  through  thine  unspeakable  love  in  Christ  Je- 
sus our  Lord.     Amen. 


20. 

THANKSGIVING  OF  A  FAMILY,  FOR  THE 
RECOVERY  OF  A  MEMBER  OF  THE 
SAME   FROM   DANGEROUS  SICKNESS. 

MOST  merciful  and  gracious  God,  the  Creator  and 
Preserver  of  the  universe  !  we  would  raise  our  hearts 
with  gratefnl  sentiments  unto  thee,  from  whom  alone 
cometh  our  help.  We  acknowledge,  that  thou  rulest 
over  all ;  that  of  thee,  and  through  thee,  and  to  thee 
are  all  things.  Thou  speakest,  and  it  is  done  ;  thou 
commandest,  and  it  stands  fast.  The  skill  of  the 
physician,  and  the  power  of  medicine  are  derived  from 
thee.  It  is  thou,  who  healest  all  our  diseases,  who 
redeemest  our  lives  from  destruction,  and  renewest 
our  strength :  and  to  thy  name  alone  be  all  the  glory 
and  honour.  We  render  unto  thee  our  united  and 
hearty  thanks  for  thy  great  goodness,  manifested  to 
thy  servant,  whom  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  raise 
from  the  bed  of  sickness,  and  to  restore  to  a  capacity 
of  performing  the  duties  and  enjoying  the  comforts  of 
life.  To  thy  kind  Providence  we  ascribe  it,  that  this 
52* 


124     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

affliction  hath  not  been  unto  death,  and  that  the  voice 
of  health  and  rejoicing  is  again  heard  in  our  habita- 
tion. We  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  for  thou  hast  dealt 
bountifully  with  us.  May  thy  servant,  whom  thou 
hast  rescued  from  the  devouring  grave,  manifest  his 
(her)  sense  of  thy  loving  kindness,  by  devoting  the 
remainder  of  his  days  to  thee,  as  a  true  disciple  of  his 
Master  and  Redeemer,  in  a  constant  obedience  to  thy 
holy  commandments.  May  the  remembrance  of  what 
thou  hast  done  for  his  soul  confirm  and  establish  his 
good  resolutions,  and  inspire  him  with  a  lively  confi- 
dence in  thy  protection  and  care.  May  this  instance 
of  thy  mercy  to  our  family  engage  us  all  to  love  thee 
with  our  whole  hearts,  and  to  rejoice  in  thy  Provi- 
dence. While  we  have  health  and  life,  may  we  ne- 
ver abuse  or  trifle  with  them,  but  be  careful  to  im- 
prove them  well,  and  promote  each  other's  happiness 
to  the  utmost  of  our  ability. 

It  is  better  to  trust  in  thee,  O  Lord,  than  to  put  con- 
fidence in  man.  Thou  art  our  refuge  and  our  God, 
and  we  will  praise  thee.  We  will  give  thanks  unto 
thee ;  for  thou  art  good,  and  thy  mercy  endureth  for 
ever.     Amen. 


21 

A  PRAYER  ON  THE  DEATH  OF  ANY 
PERSON  IN  A  FAMILY. 

ETERNAL  God,  without  whose  direction  and  Pro- 
vidence nothing  can  happen  to  us  in  life  or  death  ! 
out  of  the  depths  of  affliction  and  sorrow  we  lift  up 
our  souls  unto  thee ;  for  in  thee  alone  are  our  help 
and  hope. 

Our  existence  is  in  thy  hands,  and  all  our  enjoy- 
ments are  at  thy  disposal.  Thou  didst  at  first  call 
us  into  being  by  thy  mighty  power ;  and,  when  thou 
takest  away  our  breath,  we  die  and  return  to  the  dust. 


PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES.     125 

In  the  midst  of  life,  we  are  in  death.  To  whom 
may  we  seek  for  succour,  but  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  who 
changest  not,  and  who  hast  been  the  refuge  of  thy 
children  in  all  generations  ?  The  Lord  liveth ;  let 
our  hearts  rejoice ;  and  let  the  God  of  our  salvation 
be  for  ever  exalted.  Under  all  the  troubles  of  this 
life,  thy  mercy  is  our  confidence  and  support.  Even 
as  a  father  pitieth  his  children,  so  thou  hast  compas- 
sion upon  the  sons  of  men.  Infinite  wisdom  and  love 
direct  all  thy  dispensations.  Behold  thy  servants,  O 
Lord ;  do  with  us  whatsoever  seemeth  good  in  thy 
sight.  The  Lord  gave;  and  the  Lord  hath  taken 
away  :  blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.  Blessed 
be  thy  name,  especially,  that,  according  to  thine  abun- 
dant mercy,  thou  hast  begotten  us  again,  by  the  re- 
surrection of  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son,  to  the  lively  hope 
of  an  inheritance,  that  is  undefiled  and  fadeth  not 
away. 

Teach  us,  O  most  gracious  God,  by  the  instances 
of  mortality  which  are  before  our  eyes,  and  particu- 
larly by  the  present  mournful  event,  to  see  how  short 
and  uncertain  our  abode  on  earth  is,  and  so  to  num- 
ber our  days  that  we  may  apply  our  hearts  unto  wis- 
dom and  seek  the  things  which  are  above.  May  we 
spend  the  remainder  of  our  time  in  this  world  in  the 
faithful  discharge  of  every  Christian  duty ;  and  study 
to  live  in  such  a  manner,  as  we  shall  wish  to  have 
done,  when  we  come  to  die.  Give  us  grace  to  follow 
the  good  examples  of  those,  who  have  departed  hence 
in  thy  faith  and  fear  ;  that  we  may  with  them  be  par- 
takers of  thy  heavenly  kingdom.  Grant,  that  we 
may  labour  with  increasing  zeal  to  become  the  true 
disciples  of  our  blessed  Saviour  ;  and,  after  believing 
in  him  and  obeying  him  here  below,  be  united  with 
him  at  thy  right  hand,  and,  with  all  whom  we  love, 
and  with  the  virtuous  and  pious  of  all  nations  and 
tongues,  praise  thee  through  endless  ages.     Amen. 


126     PRAYERS  FOR  FAMILIES. 

22. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  PARENTS,  ON  THE 

DEATH  OF  A  YOUNG  CHILD. 

O  THOU,  who  hast  appointed  unto  all  men  once  to  die, 
and  who  alone  knowest  what  is  really  good  for  us  !  we 
fly  to  thee,  beseeching  thee  to  sanctify  unto  us  the  be- 
reavement, which  fills  our  hearts  with  grief.  Thou 
hast  united  us  to  the  objects  of  our  innocent  affection  by 
the  tenderest  ties ;  and  we  bless  thee,  that  thou  wast 
pleased  to  give  us  our  departed  child,  and  to  bestow 
on  us  the  satisfactions  and  joys  which  parents  feel. 
Thou  hast  with  the  arrow  of  death  taken  away  from 
us  this  beloved  being  ;  and  we  would  bow  with  resig- 
nation to  thy  sovereign  appointment.  "We  commit 
its  body  to  the  grave,  and  its  soul  to  thine  infinite 
mercy.  And  we  rejoice  and  thank  thee,  that  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  declared  :  "  Suffer  the  little 
children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  it  not,  for  of 
such  is  the  kingdom  of  God." 

Compassionate  Father !  console  our  sorrows,  we 
pray  thee  ;  and  prevent  us  from  despising  thy  chas- 
tenings,  or  fainting  when  rebuked  of  thee.  Teach 
us  more  perfectly  to  do  and  suffer  thy  will,  and  to 
draw  instruction  from  the  adversities  which  we  expe- 
rience. Affect  us  with  just  convictions  of  the  vanity 
of  human  life,  and  the  uncertainty  of  earthly  comforts. 
Dispose  us  to  work  out  our  own  salvation  with  fear 
and  trembling,  and  to  give  the  most  serious  attention 
to  the  religious  instruction  and  improvement  of  those 
whom  thou  hast  preserved  to  us.  Instead  of  attempt- 
ing fully  to  explain  the  unsearchable  mysteries  of  thy 
government,  may  our  hearts  rest  assured,  that  all 
things  shall  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
thee :  and  may  we  steadily  look  forward  to  the  resur- 
rection of  the  just  and  the  re-union  of  those  who  die 
in  the  Lord,  through  our  exalted  Saviour  and  Re- 
deemer.    Amen. 


PART  II. 


PRAYERS 

FOR  THE    USE   OF  INDIVIDUALS. 


L. 

PRAYERS  FOR  THE  MORNING. 

O  LORD,  my  heavenly  Father,  who  hast  safely 
brought  me  to  the  beginning  of  this  day  :  defend  me 
through  the  same  by  thy  mighty  power,  and  grant 
that  I  may  neither  fall  into  sin,  nor  run  into  any  kind 
of  danger.  May  all  my  words  and  doings  be  order- 
ed agreeably  to  thy  holy  will ;  and  my  heart  be  pure 
and  acceptable  in  thy  sight !  May  it  please  thee  to 
give  such  success,  as  thou  seest  to  be  best  for  me,  to 
my  labours  and  pursuits ;  to  bless  my  friends  ;  to  do 
good  unto  all  men ;  and  to  raise  them  and  me  to  thy 
heavenly  kingdom,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


ALMIGHTY  God,  the  gracious  Preserver  of  the 
children  of  men  !  accept  the  thanks  of  thy  servant  for 
the  continual  protection  of  thy  Providence.  When  I 
retire  to  rest,  thou  coverest  me  with  the  shades  of  the 
evening ;  and,  when  I  arise,  thou  visitest  me  with  the 
day-spring  from  on  high.  Thy  blessing  is  ever  upon 
me,  and  day  and  night  thy  loving-kindness  follows  me. 
Enable  me  to  be  duly  and  habitually  sensible  of  what 
I  owe  to  thee,  and  to  rely  upon  thy  care.  I  devote 
myself  to  thy  service,  and  rejoice  that  my  times  are 


128       PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

in  thy  hand.  Help  me,  while  I  live,  to  live  to  thee ; 
that,  when  I  die,  I  may  die  to  thee,  and  feel  happy  in 
the  assurance  of  thy  mercy  and  the  hope  ol  everlast- 
ing life,  through  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Saviour. 
Amen. 


O  GOD,  by  whose  gracious  Providence  I  have  been 
preserved  through  the  past  night,  and  am  risen  this 
morning  with  the  free  use  of  my  rational  faculties, 
and  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  blessings  of  life :  I  look 
up  to  thee  as  my  highest  benefactor  and  friend,  and 
thank  thee  for  the  goodness  which  I  have  experienced, 
when  unconscious  of  my  being,  and  incapable  of 
guarding  against  danger  and  death.  I  humbly  com- 
mit myself  to  thy  protection  this  day,  beseeching  thee 
to  defend  me  from  evil,  and  to  give  me  those  bless- 
ings which  I  need.  Above  all,  be  pleased,  merciful 
Father,  to  pardon  my  errors  ;  and  assist  me  to  shun 
temptation,  to  watch  over  my  passions,  to  govern  my 
tongue,  to  keep  myself  innocent  and  undefiled,  and 
cheerfully  to  do  that  which  is  pleasing  unto  thee. 
Hear  my  prayer,  and  accept  of  me  according  to  the 
covenant  of  thy  love  through  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


GOD  of  my  life,  another  night  has  passed  away ;  and 
I  arise  from  death-like  insensibility  to  new  existence. 
Whether  I  sleep  or  am  awake,  I  am  encircled  by  thy 
mighty  arms,  and  share  thy  love.  Thou  hast  pre- 
served my  breath  ;  thou  inspirest  me  with  new  vigour ; 
and  thou  callest  me  to  new  enjoyments.  To  thee  my 
spirit  ascends  on  the  wings  of  devotion  and  gratitude, 
and  consecrates  all  its  powers  and  faculties.  What 
may  I  not  hope  for  from  thee,  who  continually  wateri- 
est over  me,  and  who  hast  not  even  spared  thy  well- 
beloved  Son,  but  hast  given  him  up  freely  for  the 
children  of  men  ? 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  129 

Animated  by  this  confidence,  I  desire  to  go  on  my 
way  rejoicing,  to  accomplish  with  cheerfulness  what- 
ever thou  callest  me  to  do,  and  to  bear  with  patience 
whatever  thou  appointest  me  to  suffer.  This  day, 
too,  Father,  thou  wilt  in  mercy  direct  and  help  thy 
feeble  child,  proportion  my  strength  to  my  duties  and 
trials,  and  lead  me  in  that  path  which  thou  knowest 
to  be  good  for  me.  Let  this  persuasion  support  my 
soul,  and  enable  me  to  entertain  an  habitual  regard 
to  thee.  I  am  thine,  by  the  strongest  ties;  and  thine 
may  I  remain  in  life  and  in  death,  through  Jesus 
Christ,  thy  Son,  my  Saviour.     Amen. 


2. 

PRAYERS  FOR  THE  EVENING. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  me  in- 
numerable benefits,  and  hast  added  to  all  thy  former 
mercies  the  safety  and  happiness  which  I  have  this 
day  enjoyed.  Forgive,  I  beseech  thee,  whatever  may 
have  been  wrong  in  my  feelings,  conversation,  or  de- 
portment ;  and  fill  me  with  an  ardent  solicitude  to 
serve  thee  faithfully  in  the  time  that  may  yet  remain. 
I  commit  myself  and  all  my  friends  to  thy  gracious 
protection  this  night,  reposing  the  confidence  of  my 
soul  on  thy  Providence.  After  having  renewed  my 
strength  by  a  peaceful  repose,  may  I  return  to  the 
duties  of  life  with  a  steadfast  resolution  to  do  all  thy 
will  with  diligence ;  that,  when  my  days  on  earth  shall 
be  numbered,  I  may  be  received  into  thine  eternal 
rest  and  joy,  through  thy  blessed  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. 


ALMIGHTY  God,  my  heavenly  Father,  from  whom 
cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift  :  I  raise  my  soul 


130    PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

to  thee,  entreating  thee  to  keep  me  continually  under 
thy  care.  If  it  seem  good  in  thy  sight,  grant  me  the 
blessing  of  quiet  sleep ;  that  I  may  arise  in  the  morn- 
ing in  health,  to  labour  in  thy  service  and  live  in  thy 
fear.  Let  it  please  thee  to  lift  up  the  light  of  thy 
countenance  upon  me,  and  to  give  me  peace  both  now 
and  evermore.     Amen. 


0  GOD,  my  great  Creator,  Preserver,  and  Benefactor! 

1  approach  thee  with  the  grateful  acknowledgments 
of  my  heart  for  the  mercies,  by  which  I  have  been 
cheered  and  blessed  this  day.  Whatever  share  of 
happiness  I  possess,  whatever  measure  of  prosperity 
I  enjoy;  to  thee  belongs  the  praise,  and  to  thine  un- 
merited favour  alone  I  ascribe  it.  With  whatever 
neglect,  imperfection,  and  transgression  of  duty,  I  am 
chargeable ;  I  take  the  shame  of  them  to  myself  and 
sincerely  repent  of  them.  Forgive  me,  I  beseech 
thee,  Parent  of  mercies,  upon  the  gracious  terms  of 
thy  gospel ;  and  implant  a  right  spirit  within  me. 
Vouchsafe  to  take  me,  and  all  in  whom  I  am  concern- 
ed, into  thy  care  and  protection  through  this  night ; 
and  lead  us,  and  the  whole  human  family,  in  the  paths 
of  thy  good  Providence,  to  everlasting  life  and  hap- 
piness, through  thine  infinite  love  in  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. 


GOD  of  compassion !  with  what  velocity  all  my  days 
speed  their  flight  and  vanish  away  !  how  few  are  the 
traces  which  they  leave  behind !  what  is  my  exist- 
ence on  earth,  but  a  dream,  from  which  I  shall  awake, 
with  joy  or  terror,  to  a  new  and  never-ending  life  ! 

I  will  lay  me  down,  and  sleep  in  peace  ;  for  thou, 
O  Lord,  makest  me  to  dwell  in  safety.  Thou  con- 
tinually upholdest,  and  showerest  down  blessings  up- 
on me,  and  comfortest  my  soul  in  sorrow.  All  the 
successive  periods  of  my  pilgrimage  are  distinguished 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  131 

by  the  proofs  of  thy  benevolence  and  mercy.  O  that 
they  may  also  be  distinguished  by  numerous  proofs 
of  my  gratitude  and  obedience  to  thee  !  O  that  I 
may  sleep  in  Jesus,  when  my  last  hour  shall  arrive, 
with  the  same  composure  with  which  I  lie  down  upon 
my  bed:  with  a  mind,  free  from  the  stings  and  re- 
proaches of  guilt,  conscious  of  inward  sincerity  and 
rectitude,  firmly  relying  upon  the  promises  sealed 
with  my  Saviour's  blood,  trusting  through  him  in  thy 
forbearance  and  paternal  love,  and  rejoicing  in  the 
prospect  of  that  blissful  immortality  which  he  brought 
to  light ! 

My  heavenly  Father,  establish  thou  this  wish  in 
my  soul :  make  it  the  chief  principle  and  motive  of  all 
I  think,  and  say,  and  do ;  help  me  to  revive  and 
strengthen  it  every  morning  and  evening.  Make  me 
perfect  in  every  good  work ;  and  to  thy  name  be  all 
the  glory,  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


3. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  YrOUNG  PERSON. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  who  hast  called 
me  into  being,  that  I  might  enjoy  thy  bounty  here, 
and  be  prepared  for  everlasting  happiness  hereafter  ! 
I  look  up  to  thee,  the  source  of  every  blessing,  be- 
seeching thee  to  guide,  to  support,  and  strengthen 
me.  Surrounded  with  dangers,  to  whom  should  1 
apply  for  succour  but  to  thee,  who  hast  promised, 
that  those  who  seek  thee  early  and  diligently  shall 
find  thee?  O  help  me  habitually  to  remember  thee, 
my  Creator,  Benefactor,  Redeemer,  and  Judge.  Im- 
press on  my  mind  that  reverence  of  thee,  which  is 
the  beginning  of  wisdom.  Dispose  me  to  value,  as 
I  ought,  the  religion  of  thy  blessed  Son,  and  to  make 
his  doctrine  and  example  my  only  directory  and  rule* 
53 


132  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

Preserve  me  from  all  corrupt  communications,  from 
those  youthful  lusts  which  war  against  the  soul,  from 
all  unchastity  in  thought,  word,  and  action.  Preserve 
my  tongue  from  uttering  falsehood,  deceit,  or  impiety, 
and  my  hands  from  committing  injustice.  Give  me 
a  cautious,  sober,  and  devout  mind,  that  I  may  trem- 
ble at  the  hazard  of  ever  standing  in  the  way  of  sin- 
ners, or  walking  after  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly,  or 
following  evil  companions.  Enable  me  to  respect  the 
lessons  of  age  and  experience ;  clothe  me  with  the 
ornament  of  an  humble,  meek,  t.nd  contented  spirit ; 
and  grant,  that  I  may  carefully  avoid  every  thing, 
which  I  would  blush  to  reveal  to  my  fellow-men,  and 
which  would  fill  me  with  confusion  and  fear  when  I 
think  of  thee.  Forbid,  great  God,  that  I  should  mis- 
apply or  trifle  with  any  portion  of  that  precious  time, 
for  the  use  of  which  I  am  accountable  at  thy  bar. — 
Give  me  grace  to  find  my  highest  delight  in  studying 
and  obeying  thy  word,  in  approving  myself  to  thee, 
in  discharging  my  duty  to  those  with  whom  I  am 
connected,  in  labouring  to  become  useful  in  my  day 
and  generation,  and  in  forming  those  habits  which 
will  qualify  me  for  the  felicity  of  heaven. 

I  pray  for  these  and  for  all  other  blessings  in  the 
name  of  thy  Son  Jesus  Christ,  through  whom  I  hum- 
bly hope  to  be  pardoned  and  accepted  now  and  ever- 
more.    Amen. 


4. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  AN  AGED  PERSON. 

O  THOU  great  Author  and  Supporter  of  life,  who 
hast  been  the  refuge  of  thy  children  in  every  age  ! 
to  thee  I  raise  my  heart  with  thanksgiving  and  sup- 
plication. Thou  hast  maintained  my  frail  existence 
through  many  years,  and  crowned  its  successive  pe- 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.         133 

riods  with  thy  mercies.  Where  should  I  begin,  or 
where  should  I  cease,  would  I  enumerate  the  favours 
which  thy  hand  has  bestowed  on  me?  With  what 
incessant  kindness  hast  thou  supplied  the  wants  both 
of  my  body  and  of  my  soul,  opened  to  me  many 
sources  of  satisfaction,  shielded  me  from  dangers  and 
calamities,  consoled  and  sustained  me  under  trials  and 
distresses,  and  conducted  my  feet  into  the  path  of 
peace  !  What  gratitude  do  I  owe  to  thee,  especially, 
for  the  light  and  assistance  of  thy  holy  gospel,  for  its 
precious  promises  and  animating  hopes,  and  for  the 
many  opportunities  and  means  of  improvement  which 
I  have  enjoyed  !  Hitherto  thou  hast  led  and  helped 
me;  and  my  only  trust  is  in  thy  sure  and  never-fail- 
ing mercy. 

Heavenly  Father !  I  confess  to  thee  my  many 
errors  and  transgressions,  with  sorrow  and  repent- 
ance. Of  thine  infinite  goodness  forgive  whatever  I 
have  thought,  or  said,  or  done  amiss  in  the  whole 
course  of  my  pilgrimage.  Let  my  hoaiy  head  be 
found  in  the  way  of  righteousness.  Whatever  I  may 
have  neglected,  whatever  remains  to  be  done,  assist 
me  to  perform  immediately  and  to  the  best  of  my 
ability.  If  I  have  injured  any,  enable  me  to  discover 
it,  that  I  may  make  due  reparation  before  I  go  hence. 
Sanctify  my  mind,  correct  my  passions,  preserve  me 
from  every  sin  to  which  I  am  exposed.  Save  me 
from  a  selfish,  censorious,  severe,  impatient,  and  dis- 
satisfied temper.  Teach  me  to  be  thankful  to  those 
who  contribute  to  my  ease  and  comfort,  to  rejoice  in 
the  happiness  of  all  around  me,  and  with  a  friendly 
spirit  to  instruct  and  admonish  the  rising  generation. 
Help  me,  especially,  to  render  the  religion  of  thy  Son, 
my  Lord,  amiable  and  venerable  in  the  estimation  of 
the  young  and  of  all  around  me,  by  setting  them  an 
example  of  cheerful  piety,  and  by  entertaining  a  holy 
confidence  in  thy  Providence  and  grace. 


134         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

God  of  compassion  !  my  strength  is  now  often  la- 
bour and  sorrow,  and  I  shall  soon  go  down  to  the 
grave.  Forsake  me  not,  I  beseech  thee ;  cast  me  not 
off  in  the  time  of  mine  old  age.  Let  my  affections  be 
fixed  upon  the  things  which  are  above  ;  let  the  pros- 
pect of  heaven  support  me  in  every  hour  of  suffering; 
and,  when  my  heart  and  my  flesh  fail,  be  thou  the 
strength  of  my  heart  and  my  portion  for  ever.    Amen. 


5.. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  CHILD. 

O  LORD !  thou  art  my  Father  and  my  God  :  early 
will  I  seek,  praise,  and  love  thee.  I  bless  thee  for  all 
thy  goodness  to  me,  and  in  particular  for  those  ten- 
der ties  which  bind  me  to  my  parents.  I  thank  thee 
for  all  their  care  and  kindness  ;  and  rejoice  to  behold, 
in  their  unabating  solicitude  for  my  welfare,  the  image 
of  thy  love.  Enable  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  render 
unto  them  due  honour  and  obedience,  affection  and 
gratitude.  Assist  me  to  submit  with  pleasure  to  their 
friendly  guidance,  to  be  patient  under  reproofj  to  ab- 
hor falsehood,  to  discharge  all  my  obligations  with  a 
dutiful  heart,  and  never  to  cause  them  tears  and 
grief  by  any  perverseness.  Be  pleased,  O  God,  to 
prolong  their  health  and  life,  to  uphold  them  by  thy 
gracious  Providence,  to  make  them  happy  in  me  and 
in  all  who  belong  to  their  family.  Let  thy  goodness 
follow  them  continually  here,  and  reward  them  with 
eternal  happiness  beyond  the  grave. 

Blessed  guide  of  my  youth  !  to  thee  I  am  indebted 
for  all  the  favours  which  I  enjoy.  Assist  me  to  be- 
come thy  child,  to  follow  after  thy  friendship  as  the 
greatest  of  all  blessings,  and  to  dread  displeasing  thee 
as  the  greatest  of  all  calamities.  Help  me,  as  I  grow 
in  stature,  to  grow  in  wisdom  and  goodness,  in  favour 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS  135 

With  thee  and  with  my  fellow-men,  like  thy  beloved 
Son  Jesus  Christ.  I  desire  to  understand  and  to  re- 
joice in  his  gospel,  to  be  his  disciple,  and  to  walk  as 
he  walked ;  and  I  pray,  that,  after  this  short  life  on 
earth,  I  may  be  exalted  with  him  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


6. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  HUSBAND  OR  WIFE. 

MOST  merciful  and  gracious  God !  I  look  up  unto 
thee  who  rulest  over  heaven  and  earth,  and  desire 
to  adore  thee  as  my  Guardian  and  Guide.  It  is  thou 
who  settest  the  solitary  in  families;  domestic  life  is 
thine  institution :  and  thou  hast  pronounced  marriage 
to  be  honourable  in  all.  Called  to  this  state  by  thy 
Providence,  I  beseech  thee  to  make  me  sensible  of  its 
duties,  and  to  dispose  me  to  fulfil  them  with  a  perfect 
heart  and  a  willing  mind.  Let  me  ever  act  upon  the 
conviction,  that  the  covenant,  into  which  I  have  en- 
tered with  the  chosen  companion  of  my  life,  has  been 
made  in  thy  sacred  presence,  and  that  my  vows  of 
fidelity  and  affection  have  been  witnessed  by  thee  the 
righteous  Judge.  Enable  me  to  live  as  a  Christian 
in  this  relation,  and  to  put  away  from  me  whatever 
would  interrupt  the  pleasure  and  improvement  which 
it  is  adapted  to  yield.  Give  me  grace  to  correct 
what  is  wrong  in  my  dispositions,  to  govern  my  pas- 
sions, to  be  a  severe  censor  of  myself  but  never 
to  exact  or  expect  too  much  from  the  friend  and  part- 
ner of  my  days.  Assist  me  to  become  a  blessing  to 
him  [her),  a  sharer  of  his  joys,  a  consoler  of  his  sor- 
rows, and  a  helper  to  him  in  all  the  changes  of  the 
world.  Grant  that  we  may  live  together  in  love  and 
peace,  exercising  forbearance  with  each  other's  infir- 
mities, serving  and  rejoicing  in  thee,  and  carrying  our 
53* 


136  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

regard  for  each  other  beyond  this  fleeting  and  pe- 
rishable world.  Grant,  that  in  our  dwelling,  as  in 
the  tabernacle  of  the  righteous,  the  voice  of  salvation 
may  be  heard ;  that  we  may  keep  a  strict  watch  over 
ourselves  and  all  who  depend  upon  us;  that  we  may 
suffer  no  vice  to  go  unreproved,  or  to  remain  in  our 
house  persisted  in  and  unamended :  and  that  all  of  us 
may  cultivate  a  cheerful  and  obliging  temper,  and 
discharge  our  respective  duties  in  quietness  and  con- 
tentment. By  living  together  in  virtue  and  holiness 
here,  may  we  be  fitted  for  perfect  felicity  in  heaven ; 
and  be  united  together,  at  last,  in  indissoluble  friend- 
ship, through  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son,  our  Saviour  and 
Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYER  FOR  A  PARENT. 
ALMIGHTY  God,  Creator  of  men!  from  thee 
cometh  every  good  and  perfect  gift.  Thou  hast 
given  me  children,  and  inspired  my  heart  with  ardent 
affection  for  them.  Thou  hast  committed  them  to  my 
care,  and  commanded  me  to  educate  them  as  Chris- 
tians, as  intelligent  and  immortal  beings.  O  make  me 
fully  sensible,  I  entreat  thee,  of  the  solemnity  and  im- 
portance of  this  charge ;  and  give  me  thy  gracious 
assistance,  that  I  may  train  up  my  offspring  in  the 
way  in  which  they  ought  to  go.  Enable  me  to  enter- 
tain abiding  convictions  of  the  value  of  good  instruc- 
tion, and  the  necessity  of  early  religious  impressions. 
Enlighten  and  direct  me  in  the  choice  of  proper 
means  for  cultivating  pious  and  virtuous  principles  in 
their  tender  minds.  Make  me  constant  and  faithful  in 
sowing  in  their  hearts  the  incorruptible  seed  of  divine 
truth,  that  they  may  love  religion  early,  and  partake 
of  thy  divine  nature.     Increase  my  solicitude  to  set 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.        137 

before  them  the  pattern  of  a  holy  and  good  life ;  and 
never  sutler  me  to  forget,  that  what  I  say  and  do 
cannot  fail  to  influence  the  formation  of  their  temper 
and  character.  Preserve  me  from  the  extremes  of 
impatience  and  undue  severity,  and  of  excessive  in- 
dulgence and  misguided  fondness.  Direct  me  to  the 
most  rational  and  salutary  expressions  of  my  love  to 
them ;  and  help  me  to  adapt  my  conduct  to  their 
several  dispositions.  And  while  I  study  to  bring  them 
forward  on  the  stage  of  action  with  those  advantages 
which  are  suitable  to  their  condition,  let  me  always 
remember,  that  the  care  of  the  soul  is  the  one  thing 
needful,  and  let  it  be  my  highest  concern  to  prepare 
them  for  eternity  and  heaven. 

Gracious  God  !  save  me,  I  pray  thee,  from  the 
most  grievous  calamity,  which  a  parent  can  feel,  that 
of  beholding  children  vicious  and  miserable.  Protect 
and  bless  those,  for  whom  my  heart  beats  with  the 
tenderest  anxiety :  and  let  them  never  be  led  astray 
by  wicked  customs  and  examples.  Whatever  thou 
mayest  deny  me,  O  grant  that  I  may  see  them  walk- 
ing in  the  truth,  adorned  with  innocence,  virtue,  and 
piety.  Vouchsafe  to  forgive  any  errors  in  my  con- 
duct towards  them,  and  to  supply  all  my  deficiencies. 
When  I  shall  be  removed  hence,  let  me  die  with  the 
consciousness  that  I  have  not  wilfully  neglected  my 
duty  to  them.  And  in  the  great  day  of  the  resurrec- 
tion and  judgment,  grant  that  we  may  be  found  toge- 
ther before  thy  throne,  and  that  I  may  be  enabled  to 
say  :  Here  am  I,  O  God,  and  the  children  which  thou 
hast  given  me. — I  ask  for  these  mercies  in  the  name 
of  Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Master.     Amen. 


138        PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

8 
A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON   IN  PROS- 
PERITY. 

BOUNTIFUL  Benefactor !  all  that  man  possesses 
or  enjoys  proceeds  from  thy  munificence.  To  thy 
sovereign  goodness  I  am  indebted  for  all  the  advan- 
tages of  my  condition.  Thou  hast  furnished  me  with 
many  temporal  blessings,  and  with  the  means  of  in- 
creasing my  own  happiness  and  the  happiness  of 
others.  Preserve  thy  servant,  I  beseech  thee,  from 
being  high-minded  and  trusting  in  uncertain  riches. 
Preserve  me  from  the  inordinate  love  of  the  good 
things  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon  me,  from  every 
unlawful  or  intemperate  pleasure,  from  all  contempt 
of  my  fellow-men.  Preserve  me  from  the  blindness 
and  infatuation  of  such  as  take  this  world  for  their 
portion ;  and  let  me  not  be  numbered  among  those 
fools,  whose  table  is  a  snare  to  them  and  whose  pros- 
perity destroys  them.  Fill  my  heart  with  love  and 
gratitude  to  thee,  my  Father,  whose  Providence  has 
raised  me  to  my  present  state ;  and  give  me  a  deep 
and  lively  sense  of  the  account  which  I  must  render 
at  thy  bar.  Teach  me  to  honour  thee  with  my  sub- 
stance ;  to  employ  it  in  a  rational  and  useful  manner; 
and  as  a  good  steward,  to  minister  thy  gifts  to  others. 
Direct  me  in  the  most  effectual  way  to  relieve  the 
poor,  the  sick,  and  the  wretched ;  to  vindicate  the 
cause  of  innocence ;  and  to  advance  the  interests  of 
truth,  virtue,  religion,  and  public  order.  In  my 
communications  to  the  necessities  of  my  fellow-men, 
preserve  me  from  the  weakness  and  guilt  of  pride  and 
ostentation;  and  let  me  always  remember,  that  thou 
lovest  a  cheerful  giver.  If  it  shall  please  thee,  O 
Lord,  either  to  increase  or  take  away  any  of  thy 
gifts,  let  it  be  my  chief  joy  to  serve  thee,  and  my  con- 
stant prayer,  that  thou  wilt  lift  up  the  light  of  thy 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.         139 

countenance  upon  me.  If  in  thy  Providence  I  am  to 
be  deprived  of  any  temporal  advantages,  prepare  me 
to  meet  the  change  with  resignation.  May  I  receive 
every  allotment,  whether  prosperous  or  adverse,  with 
Christian  composure  and  fortitude ;  and,  when  thou 
shult  call  me  from  this  state  of  change  and  trial,  may 
I  be  permitted  to  participate  in  that  inheritance  which 
is  promised  to  thy  saints. 

.My  soul  relies  entirely  upon  thy  mercy  in  Jesus 
Christ,  who  became  poor  that  we  might  be  made  rich. 
Through  him  be  glory  unto  thee  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


9. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A   PERSON   SUFFERING 

POVERTY  OR  GREAT  LOSSES. 
GREAT  and  adorable  God  !  thou  rulest  over  the 
armies  of  heaven,  and  thou  distributest  thy  blessings 
among  men,  as  it  seemeth  good  in  thy  sight.  Thou 
makest  poor,  and  makest  rich  ;  thou  bringest  low,  and 
liftest  up.  Thou  hast  seen  fit  in  thine  infinite  wis- 
dom, to  visit  me  with  adversity  and  to  exercise  me  in 
an  humble  state.  But  thy  good  Providence  has  pre- 
served me  hitherto,  has  saved  me  from  overwhelming 
want,  has  given  me  many  of  the  blessings  of  this  life, 
and  has  set  before  me  the  sweet  hope  of  a  better 
world.  I  would  be  grateful  for  what  I  enjoy;  and  I 
desire  to  acquiesce  in  thy  dispensations,  and  not  to  in- 
dulge discontent  on  account  of  those  things  which 
thou  withholdest  or  takest  away. 

Direct  me,  I  beseech  thee,  in  the  use  of  honest 
means  to  repair  my  losses  and  to  obtain  a  more  com- 
fortable subsistence :  but,  whether  I  obtain  it  or  not, 
thy  will  be  done.  Thou  alone  knowest,  if  greater 
plenty  would  prove  a  blessing,  or  a  snare  to  me  and 


140       PRAYERS   FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

mine.  Make  me  perfect  in  my  submission,  O  Lord ; 
cleanse  my  heart  from  sinful  affections ;  and  grant 
that  I  may  be  rich  in  faith  and  an  heir  of  thy  pro- 
mises. Reward,  I  pray  thee,  those  benefactors,  who 
have  been  instruments  in  thy  hand  for  doing  me  good. 
In  every  trouble  let  me  experience,  that  thou  art  nigh 
unto  them  that  put  their  trust  in  thee.  Whilst  I  conti- 
nue in  straitened  circumstances,  preserve  me  from  un- 
lawful methods  of  supplying  my  necessities,  from  tak- 
ing thy  name  in  vain,  and  from  asking  with  anxious 
distrustful  thoughts,  what  shall  I  eat,  or  what  shall  I 
drink,  or  wherewith  shall  I  be  clothed  ?  May  I  never 
feel  envy  at  the  sight  of  the  great ;  and  rather  choose 
to  endure  every  bodily  hardship,  than  to  suffer  the 
evil  of  spiritual  poverty.  May  the  example  of  Jesus, 
who  was  despised  of  men,  who  suffered  hunger  and 
thirst,  and  who  had  not  where  to  lay  his  head,  recon- 
cile me  to  my  condition.  May  it  be  enough  for  me, 
that  I  can  please  thee  and  hold  fast  my  integrity. 
Whatever  be  my  lot  here,  may  I  be  enabled  to  lay 
up  treasures  in  heaven,  and  finally  be  received  into 
it,  through  the  mediation  of  that  Saviour,  who  was 
made  perfect  through  sufferings,  and  is  now  set  down 
at  thy  right  hand.     Amen. 


10. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  WIDOW. 
ALMIGHTY  and  everlasting  God,  I  fly  to  thee  for 
that  consolation  which  I  need,  and  humble  myself  un- 
der thy  mighty  hand.  Thou  givest,  and  thou  takest 
away ;  and  without  thy  permission  not  a  hair  of  our 
heads  can  fall  to  the  ground.  Thou  hast  been  pleased 
to  remove  from  me  the  husband  of  my  affectionate 
choice,  my  support  and  comfort  under  the  labours 
and  anxieties  of  this  mortal  life.     God  of  compassion, 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.        141 

leave  me  not  a  victim  to  sorrow :  and,  though  thou 
hast  not  forbidden  me  to  mourn,  let  me  not  mourn 
like  those  who  are  without  Christian  hope.  I  desire 
to  cast  all  my  cares  upon  thy  good  Providence ;  as- 
sured, that  I  can  never  be  destitute,  whilst  thou  art 
my  helper,  or  miserable,  whilst  I  have  thee  for  my 
portion.  Whatever  outward  blessings  thou  mayest 
be  pleased  to  deny  me,  may  I  never  be  deprived  of 
the  comfort  of  thy  love.  Vouchsafe,  I  pray  thee,  to 
raise  up  friends  to  assist  me  in  my  exigencies,  and  to 
counsel  me  to  manage  my  affairs  with  discretion. 
Taught  by  painful  experience,  let  me  never  forget 
what  instability  attends  all  earthly  enjoyments.  Give 
me  grace  to  behave  with  propriety  and  suitably  to 
my  condition  :  that  I  may  be  enabled  at  all  times  to 
look  with  comfort  to  thee  as  my  friend,  my  father,  my 
life,  my  deliverer.  (To  thy  tender  mercy  I  commend 
the  beloved  children  whom  thou  hast  given  me.)  To 
thy  direction  I  would  entirely  submit ;  into  thy  hands 
I  resign  all  my  interests  in  time  and  eternity ;  and 
my  soul  would  triumph  in  the  exalted  and  assured 
hope  of  being  eternally  happy  with  all  the  objects  of 
my  affection,  through  thy  grace  in  Jesus  Christ  my 
Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


11 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  SERVANT. 

O  GOD,  the  Father  Almighty,  Maker  of  heaven  and 
earth !  it  is  the  ordination  of  thy  good  Providence, 
that  there  should  be  various  stations  and  conditions 
in  the  world.  It  is  thou,  who  appointest  unto  each 
the  circumstances  in  which  he  is  placed ;  and  I  re- 
joice, that  with  thee  there  is  no  respect  of  persons, 
and  that,  whether  men  be  high  or  low  in  society,  all 
are  thy  children,  all  are  furnished  with  the  means  of 


142         PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

pleasing  thee  and  becoming  happy.  I  would  cheer- 
fully submit  to  thine  unerring  direction;  and  desire, 
with  a  contented  and  thankful  heart,  to  accept  of  the 
portion  which  thou  givest  me.  Establish  me,  I  be- 
seech thee,  in  the  persuasion,  that  my  present  situa- 
tion is  good  for  me ;  and  give  me  grace  to  reflect, 
that  every  state  of  life  has  its  peculiar  advantages 
and  trials.  Help  me  to  cherish  a  meek  and  humble 
temper,  and  to  imitate  my  blessed  Master,  who  took 
upon  him  the  form  of  a  servant  and  condescended  to 
the  meanest  offices,  that  he  might  set  his  disciples  an 
example.  Help  me  to  discharge  the  obligations  in- 
cumbent upon  me,  with  faithfulness  and  zeal,  from  a 
principle  of  obedience  to  thee,  my  Judge,  knowing 
that  thou  secst  my  inmost  thoughts,  and  that  what- 
soever good  thing  any  one  doeth,  the  same  shall  he 
receive  at  thy  hands.  Assist  me  to  adorn  my  Chris- 
tian vocation  by  a  careful,  diligent,  respectful,  and 
peaceable  behaviour,  by  the  strictest  sobriety  and 
honesty,  and  by  a  solicitude  not  to  waste  the  goods 
of  those  with  whom  I  live,  nor  to  mispend  that  time 
which  I  am  bound  to  devote  to  their  service.  Make 
me  duly  grateful  for  every  benefit  which  I  receive ; 
and  let  me  patiently  suffer  the  inconveniences  which 
attend  my  lot.  If  it  should  please  thee,  O  thou  su- 
preme Disposer  of  events,  to  make  my  outward  con- 
dition more  prosperous ;  let  me  improve  it  well.  But, 
whatever  thou  shalt  order,  let  me  be  solicitous,  above 
all  things,  to  obtain  the  forgiveness  of  my  sins,  and  to 
seek  thy  kingdom  above ;  that  I  may  be  exalted  to  it 
after  death,  through  thy  great  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ 
my  Redeemer.     Amen. 


PBAYERS   FOR    INDIVIDUALS.         143 

12 

A  PRAYER  BEFORE  A  JOURNEY. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  I  raise  my  heart  to  thee  as  the 
Father  and  Preserver  of  men,  and  rejoice,  that  I  can- 
not go  where  thou  art  not  present  as  the  Ruler  of 
nature,  as  the  Guardian  of  the  righteous,  as  the 
Hearer  of  Prayer.  Thine  eye  is  continually  upon 
me,  and  thy  good  Spirit  conducts  thy  children 
through  every  stage  of  their  pilgrimage.  I  com- 
mend myself!  O  Lord,  to  the  care  of  thy  Providence, 
in  the  journey  upon  which  I  am  entering ;  humbly 
beseeching  thee  to  defend  me  from  evil,  to  preserve 
me  from  all  temptations  to  sin,  and  to  prosper  me  in 
my  lawful  designs.  To  thy  holy  keeping  I  commit 
(my  family  and)  my  friends;  and  I  pray,  that,  if  it  be 
thy  will,  they  may  be  blessed  in  body  and  in  soul, 
that  I  may  return  to  them  in  due  season  in  safety, 
that  I  may  have  a  fresh  occasion  to  praise  thy  name, 
and  that  we  may  long  live  together,  to  enjoy  the 
pleasures  of  domestic  life,  and  to  manifest  our  thank- 
fulness for  all  thy  mercies.  Hear  my  petitions,  O 
thou  God  of  compassion ;  and  let  me  rejoice  in  thy 
grace  and  favour  through  Jesus  Christ  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 


13. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON  GOING 
TO  SEA. 

O  ETERNAL  and  most  merciful  Jehovah,  the  Re- 
fuge and  Protector  of  the  sons  of  men  :  I  lift  up  mine 
eyes  unto  thee,  from  whom  alone  cometh  my  help. 
Thou  art  the  God  of  the  sea,  as  well  as  of  the  dry 
land.  Thou  spreadest  out  the  heavens,  and  rulest 
the  raging  of  the  ocean.  At  thy  command,  winds 
64 


144       PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

and  storms  arise ;  and,  at  thy  word,  the  waves  are 
still.  Support  and  preserve  me,  Almighty  Father,  I 
beseech  thee,  when  embarked  on  the  great  deep. 
Guard  me  from  its  dangers,  from  sickness,  from  the 
violence  of  enemies,  and  from  every  evil  to  which  I 
may  be  exposed.  Save  me,  above  all,  from  that 
greatest  of  evils,  the  commission  of  sin  and  the  for- 
feiture of  thy  friendship.  Let  me  not  utter  thy  name, 
but  with  the  greatest  reverence ;  nor  forget,  that  to 
thee  I  owe  my  security,  and  that  thou  holdest  my 
soul  in  life.  May  I  see  thy  works  and  wonders  in 
all  the  objects  I  behold;  and  fortify  my  heart,  in  sea- 
sons of  peril,  not  by  blind  courage  or  brutal  insensi- 
bility, but  by  living  a  godly,  righteous,  and  sober  life, 
and  by  placing  unbounded  confidence  in  thy  wisdom 
and  goodness.  May  it  please  thee  to  give  success  to 
my  undertaking,  to  conduct  me  in  safety  to  the  haven 
where  I  would  be,  and  to  bring  me  back  with  a  grate- 
ful sense  of  thy  mercies,  and  with  an  invincible  de- 
termination to  spend  all  my  days  to  thy  glory,  through 
Jesus  Christ  my  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


14. 

THANKSGIVING  FOR  A  SAFE  RETURN 
FROM  TRAVELLING  BY  LAND  OR  BY 
WATER. 

0  MOST  gracious  and  all-powerful  God,  whose 
mercy  is  over  all  thy  works,  and  who  alone  makest 
men  to  dwell  in  safety :  I  praise  thy  holy  name,  that 
thou  hast  been  pleased  to  preserve  me  and  to  bring 
me  back  to  my  habitation  in  peace.  Thou  hast  de- 
fended me  by  thy  Providence  from  perils  and  death. 

1  rejoice  in  thy  goodness,  and  give  thanks  unto  thee 
with  my  whole  heart.  O  help  me  to  manifest  my 
thankfulness,  by  employing  the  life,  which  thou  hast 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.         145 

preserved,  in  a  diligent  obedience  to  thy  command- 
ments; and  enable  me  at  all  times  to  cherish  and  ex- 
ercise a  filial  trust  in  that  paternal  love,  of  which  I 
have  had  continual  experience.  Pardon  of  thine  in- 
finite goodness  whatever  has  been  wrong  in  my  con- 
duct. Let  me  not  forget,  that  I  am  but  a  sojourner 
here,  and  that  I  have  no  abiding  place  on  earth. 
Let  me  ardently  desire  that  better  and  heavenly 
country,  for  which  all  my  present  changes  are  in- 
tended to  prepare  me.  And  wherever  I  am,  or 
whatever  I  may  do,  whilst  I  continue  in  this  world, 
let  me  become  more  and  more  qualified  for  the  bless- 
edness of  that  city  which  hath  foundations,  through 
the  riches  of  thy  grace  in  Jesus  Christ  my  Saviour. 
Amen. 


15. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON  ENGAGING  IN 
ANY  IMPORTANT  BUSINESS. 

GREAT  and  merciful  God,  I  look  up  unto  thee,  who 
teachest  man  knowledge,  and  givest  both  the  skill 
and  the  power  to  accomplish  useful  purposes.  Thou 
art  my  Guide,  and  my  Help ;  and  without  thee  I  can 
do  nothing.  Prosperity  and  adversity  are  dispensed 
by  thee :  and  thou  alone  seest  what  is  good  for  thy 
creatures.  With  submission  to  thy  will,  I  implore  thy 
blessing  upon  the  work  which  is  before  me.  Give 
me  discretion  and  understanding  to  direct  me.  Pre- 
serve me  from  presumption,  imprudence,  indolence, 
and  a  confident  expectation  of  success.  Teach  me 
to  use  with  diligence  and  caution  the  means,  which 
thou  art  pleased  to  afford  me  for  the  accomplishment 
of  this  design.  Enable  me,  especially,  I  beseech  thee, 
to  maintain  integrity  and  a  good  conscience.  May  I 
form  no  plan  and  engage  in  no  enterprise,  that  may 


146         PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

endanger  the  property,  the  comfort,  or  the  virtue  of 
my  fellow-men ;  but  habitually  dread  and  fly  from 
every  thing,  which  may  injure  my  neighbour.  May 
I  always  act  under  the  influence  of  the  truth,  that 
thou  lovest  righteousness  and  hatest  iniquity,  and 
that  thou  wilt  reward  every  man  according  to  his 
deeds.  May  I  never  fall  into  the  temptations  and 
snares  of  those,  whose  only  aim  is  to  be  rich  :  but 
follow  after  justice,  faith,  love,  patience,  and  meek- 
ness ;  and  have  the  witness  in  mine  own  heart,  that 
godliness  with  contentment  is  great  gain.  Should 
it  please  thee  to  crown  my  efforts  with  success,  may 
I  be  duly  thankful  to  thee,  and  make  a  worthy  use  of 
thy  favours.  Should  disappointment  await  me,  may 
I  submit  with  resignation,  bless  thy  name,  and  trust  in 
thy  Providence.  Whatever  be  the  event,  O  Lord, 
do  thou  keep  me  in  the  path  of  duty,  in  thy  fear  and 
thy  love.  Let  me  perform  all  things  according  to 
the  directions  of  that  blessed  Redeemer,  whose  fol- 
lower I  desire  to  be.  And,  finally,  vouchsafe  to  re- 
ceive me  into  thine  everlasting  kingdom,  through  thine 
unspeakable  love  in  Jesus  Christ  thy  Son.     Amen. 


16. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON  UNDER  SUF- 
FERINGS OCCASIONED  BY  THE  INJUS- 
TICE OR  MALICE  OF  OTHERS. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God!  I  lift  my 
heart  unto  thee,  the  refuge  of  the  oppressed,  the 
Friend  and  Patron  of  all  thine  upright  servants.  I 
bless  thee,  that  no  malice  of  men  can  rob  me  of  thy 
love,  and  that,  whatever  I  may  suffer,  thou  hast  en- 
couraged me  to  put  my  trust  in  thy  name.  Let  it 
please  thee,  heavenly  Father,  to  protect  me  by  thy 
power,  and  to  guide  me  by  thy  wisdom.     If  it  ap- 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.  147 

pear  good  m  thy  sight,  prosper  my  lawful  endeavours 
to  guard  against  injuries,  and  to  secure  that  honest 
reputation,  which  is  connected  with  usefulness  in  so- 
ciety. Should  my  exertions  be  unavailing,  let  me  be 
comforted  by  the  persuasion,  that  my  witness  is  in 
heaven  and  my  record  on  high.  Help  me  to  inspect 
my  heart,  and  to  review  my  life  with  the  greatest  se- 
riousness, that  I  may  see  if  there  be  any  evil  way  in 
me;  and  do  thou,  the  God  of  mercy,  forgive  all  my 
forsaken  sins,  and  enable  me  to  become  faultless  and 
acceptable  to  thee.  Pardon,  I  pray  thee,  all  who 
have  done  or  wished  ill  to  me,  and  change  their  tem- 
pers and  conduct.  Give  me  grace  to  follow  in  all 
respects  that  Saviour,  who,  when  he  was  reviled,  re- 
viled not  again,  when  he  suffered,  threatened  not,  but 
committed  himself  to  thee  the  righteous  Judge,  and 
implored  the  salvation  even  of  his  murderers.  And, 
after  faithfully  doing  and  suffering  thy  will  on  earth, 
grant  that  I  may  be  united  with  him  in  heaven,  praise 
thee  for  all  the  wonderful  ways  of  thy  Providence, 
and  triumph  in  thy  grace  for  ever  and  ever.    Amen. 


17. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON   EXPOSED  TO 
CONSIDERABLE  PERILS  OR  PAINS. 

O  GOD,  the  refuge  and  strength  of  thy  children  !  be- 
hold in  mercy  thy  feeble  and  dependent  creature,  who 
flies  to  thee  for  assistance  and  protection.  I  have  had 
much  experience  of  thy  goodness  in  every  stage  and 
condition  of  life,  and  in  every  affliction  thy  mighty 
hand  has  sustained  me.  Let  it  please  thee  to  conti- 
nue thy  compassion,  and  to  uphold  me  in  every  hour 
of  danger.  Preserve  me  from  all  distressing  fears, 
and  establish  my  confidence  in  thy  wise  and  gracious 
government.     When  my  sorrows  are  enlarged,  make 


148         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

haste  for  my  deliverance,  and  bring  me  out  of  all  my 
troubles,  if  it  seem  good  to  thee.  In  the  midst  of  any 
pains  which  I  may  be  appointed  to  endure,  let  my  pa- 
tience be  perfected  and  my  fortitude  be  supported  by 
thy  promises  and  the  example  of  thy  Son.  And 
though  my  heart  and  my  flesh  should  fail,  be  thou,  O 
God,  the  strength  of  my  heart ;  and  vouchsafe  to  give 
me  the  portion  of  those,  who  shall  be  raised  to  the  un- 
fading joy  and  glory  of  heaven,  through  Jesus  Christ 
my  Lord  and  Saviour.     Amen. 


18. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  SICK  PERSON. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  who  hatest  no- 
thing that  thou  hast  made  !  I  desire  humbly  to  own 
and  to  reverence  thy  hand  in  my  present  affliction. 
May  my  bodily  suffering  make  my  heart  better,  and 
lead  me  more  justly  to  value  health  and  strength,  and 
to  employ  them  to  nobler  purposes  than  I  have  done, 
if  this  sickness  shall  not  be  unto  death. 

With  submission  to  thy  will,  I  pray  for  the  remo- 
val of  my  disorder  and  for  the  perfect  restoration  of 
my  health.  Endue  me  with  resignation,  patience, 
and  meekness,  under  the  pain  of  disease  and  the  irk- 
someness  of  confinement.  Above  all,  prepare  me  for 
death.  Blot  out  my  numerous  imperfections  and  sins 
by  thine  infinite  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus.  Purify  my 
heart,  and  make  it  the  seat  of  faith,  charity,  and  hope. 
Dispose  and  help  me  to  set  my  house  in  order,  and  to 
do  whatever  is  necessary  in  regard  to  my  great 
change.  And,  when  thou  removest  me  hence,  grant 
me  an  entrance  into  that  world,  where  the  inhabi- 
tants shall  no  more  say,  I  am  sick. 

Into  thy  hands,  heavenly  Father,  I  commit  myself) 
desiring,  that  no  increase  of  pain  may  produce  re- 
pining, that  I  may  be  numbered  with  those  who  love 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.         149 

thee,  and  that  I  may  find  by  experience  all  things, 
and  this  sickness  especially,  working  my  spiritual 
good.  In  every  alteration,  let  thy  promises  be  pre- 
cious to  my  soul,  that  I  may  come  off  a  conqueror 
through  thy  blessed  Son,  and  sing  thy  praises  for  ever 
and  ever.     Amen. 


19. 

ANOTHER  PRAYER  FOR  A  SICK  PERSON. 

O  LORD  my  God,  who  givest  life  and  breath  and  all 
things  to  thy  creatures,  and  who  hast  not  thought 
even  a  crown  of  everlasting  life  too  much  to  promise 
to  thy  children  :  thou  wilt  not  deny  me  what  is  need- 
ful for  my  body  and  soul,  in  my  passage  through  this 
world  to  that  of  honour  and  immortality.  I  would 
raise  my  heart  unto  thee  with  confidence  in  thine  in- 
finite compassion.  Establish,  I  beseech  thee,  in  my 
soul  the  belief  that  thou  dost  not  willingly  grieve  the 
children  of  men,  but  intendest  good  to  me  by  this  thy 
fatherly  correction.  Wherein  soever  I  have  neglect- 
ed thee,  or  committed  any  offence  against  thy  laws, 
make  me  deeply  sensible  of  it,  and  heartily  sorrowful 
for  all  my  transgressions.  Mercifully  accept  my 
earnest  desires  of  forgiveness,  and  prosper  my  serious 
resolutions  to  live  more  circumspectly  and  righteously 
in  the  time  to  come.  Assist  me,  gracious  Lord,  to 
give  a  proof  of  the  sincerity  of  my  present  prayers 
and  professions,  by  patiently  submitting  to  this  dis- 
tressing dispensation  of  thy  Providence,  and  by  cheer- 
fully and  meekly  bearing  whatever  thou  shalt  inflict. 
Fill  my  mind  with  reverence  of  thy  wisdom  and  au- 
thority, with  a  thankful  remembrance  of  all  thy  past 
mercies,  with  an  entire  reliance  on  thy  goodness,  and 
with  a  supreme  solicitude  to  delight  in  doing  thy  will. 
Thou,  0  God,  art  the  Author  of  every  remedy,  and 


150         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

thy  power  alone  can  check  disease.  I  beseech  thee 
to  bless  the  means  which  are  used  for  the  recovery 
of  my  health ;  that  I  may  live,  if  it  be  thy  will,  to 
perform  my  duties  with  greater  care.  But,  if  thou 
hast  otherwise  appointed,  accept,  I  pray  thee,  of  thine 
unspeakable  goodness,  the  sincerity  of  my  repentance, 
according  to  the  covenant  to  which  thou  hast  called 
me  in  Jesus  Christ,  thy  Son.  Help  me  to  finish  the 
work  which  thou  hast  given  me  to  do,  and  without 
delay  to  make  every  necessary  preparation ;  that, 
when  the  time  of  my  dissolution  draws  near,  I  may 
have  nothing  else  to  do,  but  to  resign  myself  to  thee. 
If  I  have  injured  any,  I  would  be  reconciled  unto 
them,  and  die  in  peace  with  all  men.  And  when  I 
shall  suffer  the  last  conflicts  of  nature,  grant,  great 
God,  that  I  may  keep  my  mind  steadfastly  fixed  on 
that  Saviour,  who,  after  he  had  shed  his  blood  for  the 
remission  of  sin,  led  the  way  through  the  grave  unto 
heaven.  And  through  him  be  everlasting  praises  pre- 
sented unto  thee  from  all  the  children  of  Adam.  Amen. 


20. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  THE  HEAD  OF  A  FAMILY, 

UNDER  APPREHENSIONS  OF  DEATH,  IN  ACTIVE  LIFE. 

GREAT  and  adorable  God,  in  whose  hands  my  time 
and  fate  are  reposed  !  hear  the  prayers  of  thine  un- 
worthy servant,  and  fortify  my  soul  under  the  dis- 
tresses which  I  feel.  In  the  language  of  my  Saviour, 
who  suffered  for  me,  leaving  me  an  example,  I  would 
say  :  "  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from 
me  j  nevertheless,  not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt." — 
Spare  me,  I  beseech  thee,  if  it  be  agreeable  to  the 
purposes  of  thine  infinite  wisdom,  that  I  may  provide 
for  my  family,  and  bring  up  my  children  in  the  nur- 
ture and  admonition  of  the  Lord.     But,  if  thou  call- 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.  151 

est  me  hence,  be  thou,  O  God,  the  husband  of  my 
companion,  and  the  father  of  my  offspring.  Let  thy 
kind  Providence  be  their  stay  and  support  in  this 
world,  and  thy  love  their  inheritance  in  the  world  to 
come.  Graciously  supply  their  wants  ;  protect  them 
from  injury ;  counsel  them  under  every  perplexity; 
and  let  them  never  by  disobedience  forfeit  thy  father- 
ly care.  If  I  be  no  more  in  the  world,  holy  Father ! 
keep  those  whom  thou  hast  given  me  ;  sanctify  them 
through  thy  truth ;  and  grant  us  a  happy  meeting  in 
thy  glorious  presence  above,  through  the  infinite  riches 
of  thy  grace,  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


21. 

A   PRAYER  FOR  A  SINCERE   CHRISTIAN, 

WHEN  THERE  APPEARS  BUT  SMALL  HOPE  OF 
HIS  RECOVERY. 

GOD  of  the  spirits  of  all  flesh,  Source  of  life  and  hap- 
piness, gracious  Father  and  Friend !  thou  hast 
Drought  me  to  the  gates  of  death,  and  the  hour  of  my 
departure  draweth  nigh.  Thou  hast  watched  over 
me  from  my  entrance  into  the  world ;  thy  tender 
mercy  has  followed  me  all  my  days ;  and  thou  hast 
assured  me  of  an  incorruptible  inheritance  beyond  the 
grave.  Accept  the  thanks  of  thine  unworthy  ser- 
vant for  all  thy  loving-kindness.  Accept  my  thanks 
for  the  gift  of  thy  Son,  for  the  promise  of  forgiveness, 
for  the  precious  hope  of  immortality.  Thou  hast 
gladdened  and  consoled  me  through  the  whole  of  my 
career  with  countless  blessings  and  mercies,  although 
I  have  not  merited  the  smallest.  Pardon,  of  thine  in- 
finite goodness,  my  many  imperfections  and  sins  ;  and 
be  pleased  to  accept  my  feeble,  but  sincere,  endea- 
vours to  serve  thee.  Thou  callest  me  away ;  and  I 
am  ready  to  follow.     I  rejoice,  that  all  my  conflicts 


152         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

and  pains  are  drawing  to  a  close.  I  rejoice,  that  I 
shall  soon  be  privileged  to  pay  thee  more  worthily 
that  homage,  which  is  due  to  thee.  I  know,  that  in 
thy  presence  there  is  fulness  of  joy  and  pleasure  for 
evermore.  Keep  me,  I  beseech  thee,  my  heavenly 
Father,  in  humble  dependence  on  thy  rich  and  free 
grace  in  my  blessed  Redeemer.  Help  me  to  suffer 
patiently  like  him,  while  I  am  visited  with  sickness, 
and  like  him  to  say  at  last,  with  immoveable  confi- 
dence, "Father,  into  thy  hand  I  commit  my  spirit." 
Comfort  the  objects  of  my  affection,  when  I  am  re- 
moved from  the  world ;  provide  for  them  by  thy  pater- 
nal love ;  preserve  them  for  thine  everlasting  kingdom. 
There  may  I  find  all  for  whom  I  am  now  particularly 
concerned,  be  united  with  every  one  whom  I  may 
have  thought  my  foe,  and  triumph  in  thy  redemption 
with  all  the  children  of  Adam.  Living  or  dying,  I 
am  thine ;  and  thy  will  be  done.  O  death,  where  is 
thy  sting  ?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  Thanks 
be  to  God,  who  giveth  me  the  victory  through  my 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Amen. 


22. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON  RECOVERED 
FROM  ALARMING  SICKNESS. 

BLESS  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within 
me,  bless  his  holy  name.  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul, 
and  forget  not  all  his  benefits,  who  forgiveth  all  thine 
iniquities,  who  healeth  all  thy  diseases,  who  redeem- 
eth  thy  life  from  destruction,  and  crowneth  thee  with 
loving- kindness  and  with  tender  mercies.  I  praise 
thee,  great  God,  that,  although  thou  hast  chastened 
me,  thou  hast  not  given  me  over  unto  death.  I  praise 
thee,  that  thy  powerful  arm  has  arrested  the  progress 
of  the  destroyer,  and  helped  me  out  of  all  my  troubles. 
I  thank  thee  for  every  comfort  and  alleviation  of  pain, 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.         153 

with  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  furnish  me,  and 
especially  for  the  love  of  my  friends  and  the  promises 
of  thy  gospel.  I  acknowledge  thine  inexpressible 
goodness  in  restoring  me  from  the  brink  of  the  grave 
and  from  the  anguish  of  suffering,  to  endeared  con- 
nections, to  enlivened  hopes,  to  new  opportunities  and 
increased  motives  for  cultivating  Christian  affections, 
for  abounding  in  good  works,  and  for  laying  up  trea- 
sures in  heaven. 

0  God,  let  not  these  opportunities  be  neglected  by 
me,  but  be  wisely  unproved  to  thy  glory. 

1  have  experienced  thy  power  and  compassion. 
May  I  ever  live  in  the  exercise  of  a  grateful  confi- 
dence in  both,  and  be  duly  sensible  of  my  total  de- 
pendence upon  thy  Providence  and  government. 

I  have  been  brought  to  feel  the  realities  of  the 
world  to  come,  the  worth  of  thy  favour,  the  value  of 
a  conscience  void  of  offence.  Almighty  God !  let 
the  convictions  which  I  have  had  of  them  never  be 
extinguished  in  my  breast.  Enable  me  at  all  times 
to  entertain  that  humble  contrition  for  my  sins  and 
that  penitential  sense  of  my  need  of  thy  mercy,  which 
the  nearness  of  death  was  instrumental  in  producing. 
Help  me  to  appreciate,  as  I  ought,  eternal  things,  and 
to  do  all  that  thou  requirest,  in  order  that  I  may  se- 
cure thine  approbation  and  friendship. 

Thou  hast  enabled  me  to  realize  the  vanity  and  un- 
certainty of  the  world.  Preserve  me  from  attaching 
too  much  importance  to  its  pleasures,  honours,  and 
possessions ;  and  assist  me  constantly  to  remember, 
how  rapidly  it  is  passing  away. 

Thou  hast  taught  me,  by  sickness,  the  worth  of 
friendship :  and  the  offices  of  kindness,  which  have 
been  performed  for  me,  have,  with  thy  blessing,  cheer- 
ed, supported,  and  kept  me  alive.  My  God,  let  me 
never  be  insensible  of  the  love  of  those,  whose  hearts 
thou  hast  warmed  with  good-will  towards  me.     Make 


154         PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

me  ready  to  return  their  benevolence  on  every  occa- 
sion. Let  me  be  softened  with  humanity  towards  all 
that  suffer ;  and  let  me  never  behold  a  sick-bed  with- 
out sympathy  and  charity. 

It  was  thy  gospel,  O  thou  God  of  all  consolation  in 
Christ  Jesus,  from  which  my  hope  was  derived,  when 
the  shadows  of  death  appeared  to  encompass  me. 
The  assurances  which  it  contains  of  thy  forbearance 
and  mercy,  and  of  eternal  life  through  thy  Son,  were 
the  only  support  of  my  spirit.  O  give  me  grace  to 
cling  with  faster  hold  than  ever  to  this  rock  of  salva- 
tion, to  abide  in  the  love  of  Jesus,  to  follow  him  undis- 
mayed, and  constantly  to  hope  through  him  for  re- 
demption and  celestial  happiness. 

Preserver  of  my  being  !  thou  hast  now  shown  me, 
how  frail  I  am,  hast  given  me  a  striking  proof  of  the 
precariousness  of  life;  and  I  know,  that,  ere  long,  I 
shall  bid  farewell  to  all  whom  I  now  behold.  May  I 
be  better  prepared,  than  I  have  been,  for  my  depar- 
ture hence.  May  I  walk  by  faith,  and  not  by  sight. 
May  I  be  concerned  to  be  always  ready,  and  to  be 
found  in  that  frame  of  mind  which  will  enable  me  to 
welcome  death  as  the  messenger  of  peace. 

Hear  my  prayers,  I  beseech  thee ;  forgive  my  sins, 
and  make  me  thine,  for  evermore,  through  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. 


23. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  AN  AWAKENED  SINNER. 
O  THOU  righteous  and  holy  Being,  from  whom  no 
secrets  can  be  hid !  I  am  ashamed,  and  blush  to  lift 
up  my  face  to  thee.  Mine  iniquities  are  increased 
over  my  head,  and  my  trespass  is  grown  up  unto  the 
heavens  !  I  have  slighted  thine  authority,  forgotten  the 
one  thing  needful,  rebelled  against  thee,  my  Sove- 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.        155 

reign  and  my  Father,  and  violated  laws  which  are 
perfectly  holy,  just,  and  good.  Unthankful  for  thy 
mercies,  and  despising  thine  instructions,  I  have  cast 
off  thy  fear,  pursued  the  pleasures  of  sin,  and  nearly 
destroyed  myself.  My  example  has  corrupted  and 
emboldened  others  in  vice.  I  tremble,  while  I  think 
of  the  injury  which  I  may  have  done  to  my  compa- 
nions. I  tremble,  while  I  reflect  upon  the  vile  return 
which  I  have  made  to  thee  the  best  of  beings,  and 
upon  the  gulf  of  ruin  towards  which  I  have  been  ap- 
proaching. Hadst  thou  entered  into  judgment  with 
me,  and  rewarded  me  according  to  my  deserts,  how 
awful  would  have  been  my  condition !  Wretched  man 
that  I  am,  who  shall  deliver  me  and  break  the  power 
of  my  evil  habits  ?  God  of  compassion,  be  merciful  to 
me  a  sinner.  Unworthy  as  I  am,  cast  me  not  away 
from  thy  presence :  deny  me  not  the  grace  which  thou 
hast  encouraged  me  to  implore :  help,  Lord,  or  I  pe- 
rish :  save  my  sinking  soul,  and  give  me  repentance 
unto  life.  Impute  not  unto  me,  I  beseech  thee,  my 
transgressions ;  accept  my  humiliation  and  remorse  ; 
and  grant  me  to  say  from  experience,  with  thee  there  is 
plenteous  forgiveness  and  redemption.  Create  in  me 
a  clean  heart,  and  renew  a  right  spirit  within  me. 
Let  not  evil  be  present  with  me,  when  I  would  do  good. 
Let  me  no  longer  run  into  the  danger  which  I  see. 
Let  not  unbelief!  and  passion,  and  temptation  prevail 
against  the  convictions,  which  thou  hast  given  me,  of 
the  malignity  and  danger  of  sin,  of  the  vanity  of  the 
world,  of  the  worth  of  the  soul,  and  of  the  awfulness 
of  eternity.  Preserve  me  from  being  fatally  harden- 
ed and  blinded.  And  though  I  have  dishonoured  thee 
and  depraved  myself;  Almighty  God,  let  thy  Spirit 
operate  upon  my  mind,  and  raise  me  up  from  the 
death  of  sin  unto  a  life  of  righteousness. 

Lord  of  life  !  cut  me  not  off*  from  the  land  of  the 
living,  until  I  am  fit  for  death  and  judgment.     Spare 
65 


156        PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

me  to  bring  forth  fruits  meet  for  repentance.  Give 
me  grace  to  become  such  as  I  ought  to  be,  to  coun- 
teract he  evil  effects  of  the  criminal  course  I  have 
pursued,  to  make  restitution  to  those  I  have  injured, 
and  to  teach  transgressors  thy  ways.  Inspire  me 
with  a  dread  of  relapsing  into  those  iniquities,  which 
have  hidden  from  me  the  light  of  thy  countenance. 
Whatever  else  may  happen,  whatever  my  vices  and 
crimes  may  produce  to  me,  let  not  the  religious  im- 
pressions of  this  moment  be  ever  forgotten. 

O  Lord,  I  am  guilty  and  deserving  of  thy  wrath  : 
but  thou  hast  revealed  to  me,  that  thou  wilt  not  de- 
spise the  sacrifices  of  a  broken  spirit.  My  whole  re- 
liance is  on  thy  mercy  in  Jesus  Christ,  whom  thou 
hast  set  forth  to  be  a  propitiation  through  faith  in  his 
blood,  and  who  is  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all 
that  come  unto  thee  through  him.  In  the  name  of 
this  Mediator  I  offer  up  my  prayers ;  and  I  desire  to 
glory  in  his  cross,  and  to  be  accepted  through  him 
now  and  evermore.     Amen. 


24. 

ANOTHER  PRAYER  FOR  AN  AWAKENED 

SINNER. 
0  THOU  infinitely  great  and  glorious  Jehovah !  I 
would  raise  my  heart  to  thee  as  the  all-wise  and  right- 
eous Governor  of  heaven  and  earth.  From  the  ha- 
bitation of  thy  holiness,  thou  beholdest  all  the  children 
of  men.  Thou  lovest  righteousness,  and  hatest  ini- 
quity, wheresoever  thou  seest  it;  neither  can  evil 
dwell  with  thee. 

I  am  convinced,  great  God,  that  thou  hast  an  abso- 
lute right  to  my  homage  and  allegiance.  Thou  art 
my  Maker  and  my  Sovereign ;  thy  laws  are  just  and 
good  in  themselves,  and  adapted  to  answer  the  most 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.        157 

beneficial  purposes.  Thou  hast  written  thy  will  in 
the  book  of  nature  and  the  volume  of  revelation,  and 
enforced  it  with  the  most  solemn  and  awful  sanctions. 
Thou  hast  set  life  and  death,  heaven  and  hell  before 
me ;  my  body  and  my  soul,  with  all  their  faculties  and 
interests,  are  every  moment  in  thy  hand.  And  yet, 
in  how  many  instances  have  I  revolted  from  thee,  and 
disregarded  thy  salutary  counsels  and  commands ! 
how  far  has  my  heart  been  from  thy  service  and  thine 
ordinances  !  what  corrupt  desires  and  passions  have  I 
harboured  !  what  an  excessive  fondness  for  the  world 
have  I  discovered !  how  foolishly  have  I  preferred 
temporal  gratifications  and  pursuits  to  eternal  joys  ! 
how  greatly  must  my  behaviour  and  example  have 
injured  my  fellow-creatures  !  and  what  distress,  dis- 
order, and  remorse,  have  I  prepared  by  my  vices  for 
my  own  soul ! — And,  O  thou  most  compassionate  Fa- 
ther and  Friend  of  the  human  race,  how  much  more 
aggravated  are  my  offences,  wrhen  considered  as  com- 
mitted against  the  experience  I  have  had  of  thy  lov- 
ing kindness,  against  the  endearing  ties  of  gratitude, 
as  well  as  against  the  obligations  of  duty  and  inte- 
rest !  Thou  hast  nourished  and  brought  me  up  as  thy 
child :  and  yet  I  have  rebelled  against  thee.  Thou 
hast  been  my  Guardian,  my  Guide,  my  unwearied 
Benefactor ;  to  thee  I  am  indebted  for  all  my  worldly 
comforts :  to  thy  rich  and  free  grace  I  owe  the  disco- 
veries and  invitations  of  the  gospel,  the  offers  of  par- 
don, and  the  hope  of  eternal  felicity  through  the  me- 
diation of  Christ  Jesus  thy  Son.  And  yet,  how  have 
I  abused  thy  goodness,  misapplied  my  advantages, 
despised  thy  grace,  and  rejected  the  offers  of  life  and 
salvation  ! 

Blessed  God,  I  confess  my  guilt :  I  am  sensible,  that 
thy  favour  is  life  ;  I  feel  that  I  must  perish,  if  I  re- 
main far  from  thee.  Have  mercy  upon  me,  miserable 
offender ;  and  teach  me  so  to  think  on  my  ways,  as  to 


158        PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

make  haste  and  not  delay  to  keep  thy  commandments. 
I  adore  thy  forbearance  in  lengthening  out  the  space 
given  me  for  repentance,  though  I  have  so  long  neg- 
lected this  great  and  necessary  work ;  and  I  pray,  that 
I  may  no  longer  draw  back  from  the  yoke  of  duty. 
Give  me,  O  Lord,  abiding  views  of  the  shortness  and 
uncertainty  of  life,  of  the  growing  power  of  evil  ha- 
bits, and  of  the  vanity  of  expecting  greater  assistances 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  if  I  resist  those  which  thou  hast 
already  afforded  me.  Enable  me  carefully  to  cherish 
every  serious  impression  that  may  be  made  on  my 
mind,  and  diligently  to  improve  all  the  helps  with 
which  I  am  favoured.  Dispose  me  to  seek  thee  whilst 
thou  mayest  be  found,  and  to  call  upon  thee  whilst 
thou  art  near.  Assist  me  to  learn  that  lesson  which 
I  am  so  slow  to  learn,  and  inspire  me  with  a  taste  for 
the  pleasures,  of  religion  and  devotion.  Spiritualize 
my  affections ;  ennoble  my  pursuits :  quicken  my  de- 
sires and  endeavours ;  and  grant,  that  with  full  purpose 
of  heart  I  may  cleave  unto  thee  the  Lord. 

Gracious  God,  though  I  have  sinned  against  light 
and  knowledge,  and  have  justly  deserved  to  forfeit  all 
thy  friendship,  yet  I  would  rejoice  that  with  thee  my 
help  is  found.  Thou  art  ready  to  receive  the  peni- 
tent, and  art  waiting  to  be  gracious  to  them.  Thou 
hast  sent  thine  only  begotten  Son  to  seek  and  to  save 
those  that  are  lost.  Reconcile  me  to  thyself,  and  for- 
give and  accept  of  me,  for  thy  mercy's  sake  in  him. 
And  grant,  that,  being  made  free  from  sin  and  become 
a  servant  to  thee,  I  may  possess  peace  of  heart,  have 
my  fruit  unto  holiness,  and  in  the  end  receive  the  un- 
speakable and  unmerited  gift  of  eternal  life,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen. 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.         159 

25 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  PERSON,  RECOVERED  FROM  A 
NEGLIGENT  MIND  TO  A  SERIOUS  VIEW  OF  RELIGI- 
OUS   TRUTH. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  the  just  and 
equitable  Ruler  of  the  children  of  men !   behold  in 
mercy  thy  frail  and  forgetful  child,  who  turns  unto 
thee  with  a  penitent  and  humble  heart.     Blessed  be 
thy  name,  that  I  am  brought  to  see,  how  careless  and 
unprofitable  I  am.     Blessed  be  thy  name,  that,  though 
I  have  been  greatly  inconsiderate  and  negligent,  thy 
Providence  and  grace  have  prevented  me  from  fall- 
ing into  presumptuous  and  atrocious  transgressions. 
But,  while  I  thank  thee,  my  heavenly  Father,  for  the 
restraints  which  have  been  laid  upon  me;  I  confess 
with  shame,  that  I  have  often  been  unmindful  of  what 
I  owe  to  thee  and  thy  beloved  Son,  and  that  I  have 
not  been  duly  influenced  by  the  principles  of  thy  sa- 
cred gospel.     I  have  not  been  diligent  in  advancing 
the  welfare  of  my  fellow-men,  have  often  lost  sight  of 
the  concerns  of  my  own  soul  and  of  the  world  to 
come,  have  been  estranged  from  the  worship  and  the 
love  of  thee,  have  not  been  studious  to  govern  my 
heart,  to  rise  above  grovelling  views,  and  to  live  by 
faith  in  him  who  loved  me  and  gave  himself  for  me. 
But  I  purpose  before  thee,  who  knowest  my  heart 
with  all  its  frailties,  no  longer  to  be  like  those  who 
are  without  God  in  the  world.     And  I  beseech  thee, 
from  whom  wisdom  and  virtue  proceed,  to  forgive  the 
levity,  the  vanity,  the  folly,  the  worldly  mind,  with 
which  I  have  been  chargeable,  and  to  inspire  me  with 
that  Christian  temper  which  I  have  neglected  to  cul- 
tivate.    O  give  me  fervent  desires  and  abiding  reso- 
lutions to  serve  and  love  thee,   and  to  press  toward 
the  mark   for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  in  Christ 
Jesus.     Excite  me  to  diligence  in  reading,  meditation, 
55* 


160  PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

and  prayer.  Assist  me  to  delight  in  the  ordinances 
of  thy  house,  and  in  the  study  of  thy  holy  word. 
Arm  me  against  the  influence  of  vain  customs,  and 
of  careless  companions.  Lead  me  to  make  the  regu- 
lation of  my  own  mind,  and  the  practice  of  a  pious 
and  virtuous  life,  my  chief  care  and  business.  Help 
me  to  keep  the  instructions  and  the  model  of  my  bless- 
ed Redeemer  habitually  before  mine  eyes,  to  confess 
his  name  without  fear  before  men,  to  follow  no  other 
maxims  but  his,  to  labour  and  cherish  concern  for  his 
glorious  cause,  and  to  employ  my  powers  and  pos- 
sessions in  the  service  of  society  according  to  his  pre- 
cepts. I  would  no  longer  live,  with  my  wishes  and 
endeavours  all  centering  here ;  but  as  a  candidate  for 
immortality,  as  a  being  who  expects  a  judgment  and 
an  eternal  state,  as  the  disciple  of  a  risen  Redeemer 
who  will  come  again  and  take  his  faithful  followers 
to  his  own  heavenly  glory. 

Gracious  God,  be  pleased  to  pardon  my  sins,  to  ac- 
cept this  act  of  self-devotion,  and  to  establish  my  holy 
purposes.  I  have  sworn,  that  I  will  keep  thy  righte- 
ous statutes.  Do  thou  give  me  strength  to  fulfil  my 
vows,  to  grow  in  grace ;  and  let  nothing  ever  be  able 
to  separate  me  from  the  love  of  thee  in  Christ  Jesus 
my  Lord.     Amen. 


26. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  SINCERE  PENITENT,  DISTRESSED 
BY  THE  DIFFICULTIES  WHICH  ATTEND  HIS  CHRIS- 
TIAN   IMPROVEMENT. 

FATHER  of  mercies,  whose  strength  upholds  the 
weak !  I  come  to  thee  for  protection  and  assistance, 
and  rejoice  that  thou  hast  encouraged  me  to  seek  thy 
face.  I  have  experienced  that  thou  art  good,  and 
praise  thee  for  what  thou  hast  already  done  for  my 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.  161 

soul.  From  what  threatening  dangers  has  thy  pater- 
nal love  delivered  me !  what  everlasting  gratitude  is 
due  to  thee  for  opening  the  eyes  of  my  mind,  and  af- 
fecting my  heart  with  a  sense  of  my  duty  to  thee ! 
what  tribute  can  I  offer,  expressive  of  that  divine 
goodness,  to  which  it  is  owing,  that  I  am  not  blind 
and  dead  in  trespasses  and  sins,  and  that  I  have  not 
been  cut  off  from  this  probationary  state,  unconcern- 
ed about  the  fate  which  awaits  me  ! 

O  God,  I  adore  thee  as  my  Father  and  my  Saviour, 
and  bless  thee  for  the  merciful  promises  which  thou 
hast  given  me  through  thy  Son.  But  I  confess  and 
lament,  before  thee,  my  weakness  and  unfruitfulness. 
I  lament  the  sins,  which  so  easily  beset  me.  I  la- 
ment the  difficulties  in  discharging  my  obligations, 
which  are  the  sad  effects  of  my  former  carelessness 
and  wickedness.  I  lament  the  wanderings  of  my 
mind,  the  coldness  of  my  affections,  the  power  which 
past  follies  and  transgressions  still  exercise  too  fre- 
quently over  my  imagination.  I  confess,  that  I  de- 
serve to  suffer,  and  that  thou  art  righteous  in  all  thy 
ways  and  doings.  But  I  beseech  thee,  Almighty 
God,  to  strengthen  me  by  thy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man, 
and  to  preserve  me  from  fainting  under  the  tribula- 
tions which  attend  me.  O  bend  my  will  more  per- 
fectly to  thine;  and  let  none  of  those  things,  which 
once  subdued  me,  any  longer  prove  a  snare.  Thou 
knowest,  that  I  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness : 
give  success,  I  pray  thee,  to  my  endeavours,  my 
watchfulness,  my  supplications.  Cleanse  me  from 
every  pollution  both  of  the  mind  and  the  flesh ;  and 
cause  me  to  know,  that  blessed  is  the  man  who  en- 
dureth  temptation.  Save  me  from  presumption  and 
from  despair  of  success.  Teach  me  to  labour  with 
diligence,  and  to  confide  in  thee.  And  grant  me  to 
realize,  that  wisdom's  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness, 
and  that  the  path  of  the  righteous  is  like  the  morning 
55** 


162         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

light,  which  shineth  brighter  and  brighter  unto  the 
perfect  day. 

My  soul  looks  for  help  unto  thee,  who  art  able  to 
do  exceeding  abundantly  above  all  that  I  ask  o»* 
think.  And  unto  thee  be  glory  by  Christ  Jesus, 
world  without  end.     Amen. 


27. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  AN  UPRIGHT  CHRISTIAN,  DIS- 
TRESSED BY  FEARS  RESPECTING  HIS  FINAL  AC- 
CEPTANCE  AND    SALVATION. 

O  THOU,  before  whose  eyes  all  things  are  naked 
and  open,  who  triest  the  reins  of  the  children  of 
men !  I  fly  to  thee,  oppressed  with  sadness  and  fear. 
Thou  hast  invited  the  weary  and  heavy-laden  to  par- 
take of  mercy  :  receive  me,  thy  sorrowful  suppliant, 
and  revive  my  fainting  soul.  Thou  delightest  not  in 
the  misery  of  thy  creatures :  heal  thou  the  wounds  of 
my  heart.  I  confess,  O  my  God,  that  my  sins  have 
deserved  more  grievous  punishments  than  I  feel,  and 
that  it  would  be  impossible  for  me  to  abide  thy  strict 
inquisition  :  but  I  plead  the  wonderful  expressions  of 
thy  love  and  compassion  to  the  contrite  and  humble, 
which  are  contained  in  thy  word.  Hast  thou  not  de- 
clared, that  all  thy  thoughts  are  thoughts  of  peace, 
and  not  of  evil  1  Hast  thou  not  assured  thy  people, 
that,  although  a  mother  should  forget  her  child,  yet 
thou  wilt  not  forget  or  forsake  thine  offspring  ?  Hast 
thou  not  so  loved  the  world  as  to  give  thine  only-be- 
gotten Son  for  us,  and  wilt  thou  not  with  him  freely 
give  us  all  things  which  we  need  ? 

O  Lord,  thou  knowest  my  frame  and  rememberest 
that  I  am  but  dust.  Thou  art  acquainted  with  my 
frailties  and  apprehensions.  Thou  seest,  that,  infirm 
and  guilty  as  I  am,  my  soul  thirsteth  for  thee  the 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.    163 

living  God,  as  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water- 
brooks.  Be  pleased  to  forgive  my  sins,  to  pardon 
my  despondency ;  and  help  me  to  serve  thee  with  a 
quiet  and  cheerful  heart.  Remove  my  disease,  whe- 
ther of  body  or  of  mind,  if  this  seem  good  to  thine  infi- 
nite wisdom :  and  forbid,  that  I  should  entertain  one 
thought  injurious  to  thee  and  dishonourable  to  the  cle- 
mency of  thy  character  as  revealed  in  thy  gospel. 
Preserve  me  from  delusion :  dispel  my  doubts ;  con- 
firm my  faith  in  thy  promises ;  clothe  me  with  the 
garments  of  salvation.  Above  all,  I  beseech  thee  to 
give  me  grace  perfectly  to  do  and  to  suffer  thy  will. 
Help  me  to  bring  forth  more  of  the  fruits  of  the  Spi- 
rit ;  that  I  may  have  the  evidence  in  my  temper  and 
life,  that  I  am  led  by  thy  Spirit  and  am  authorized  to 
call  thee  Abba,  Father.  Whatever  conflicts  I  may 
now  have  to  sustain,  let  me  persevere  in  well-doing 
with  increasing  zeal  and  delight,  persuaded  that  thou 
art  greater  and  better  than  my  heart,  and  wilt  not 
reject  any  that  sincerely  seek  thy  face  through  him 
whom  thou  hast  appointed  the  Mediator  of  our  race. 
"  Why  art  thou  cast  down,  O  my  soul  1  and  why 
art  thou  disquieted  within  me?  hope  thou  in  God,  for 
I  shall  yet  praise  him,  who  is  the  health  of  my  coun- 
tenanc,    and  my  God."     Amen. 


28. 
A   PRAYER    FOR   A    COMMUNICANT,    BE- 
FORE    THE     CELEBRATION     OF     THE 
LORDS  SUPPER. 

SUPREMELY  exalted  and  adorable  God,  unto 
whom  all  hearts  are  open  !  I  desire  to  worship  thee 
as  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  of  whom  the 
whole  family  in  heaven  and  earth  is  named.  I  adore 
thine  unspeakable  goodness  in  raising  up  this  great 
55*** 


164         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

Deliverer  from  sin  and  death,  for  a  benighted,  guilty, 
and  ruined  world.  I  praise  thee  for  the  spiritual  and 
heavenly  blessings,  which  thou  hast  bestowed  upon 
me  through  his  mediation,  crucifixion,  and  resurrec- 
tion. What  gracious  instructions  flowed  from  his 
tongue  !  What  spotless  purity  marked  his  life  !  What 
love  and  zeal  filled  his  heart !  With  what  patience 
and  kindness  did  he  seek  those  that  were  lost !  What 
astonishing  miracles  attested  his  mission !  What  a 
miracle  of  benevolence  was  exhibited  in  his  painful 
and  bloody  death  on  the  cross  !  How  triumphantly 
did  he  conquer  the  grave  and  ascend  to  thy  throne 
in  heaven !  Gracious  God,  how  complete  is  his  re- 
demption, how  amazing  thy  benignity,  how  attract- 
ing and  transporting  the  thought  of  my  Saviour's 
compassion  and  victory!  What  could  have  been 
done  for  thy  rebellious  offspring,  that  has  not  been 
done  1  What  light,  what  comfort,  what  encourage- 
ment, what  hope  can  I  need,  which  the  gospel  of 
Christ  Jesus  does  not  abundantly  supply  % 

O  thou  who  seest  in  secret !  I  confess  that  I  am 
unworthy  of  my  Christian  privileges,  and  that  I  have 
not  adorned  my  profession  in  all  respects,  as  I  ought 
to  have  done,  by  a  holy  walk  and  conversation. 
Who  can  tell,  how  oft  he  offendeth  1  My  heart  con- 
demns me  in  many  things ;  and  I  am  grieved,  when  I 
consider,  in  how  small  a  degree  I  possess  the  spirit 
and  temper  of  my  Lord.  Help  thou  me  to  examine 
and  judge  myself  that  I  may  not  be  condemned  by 
thee.  Lead  me,  I  beseech  thee,  to  a  full  acquaint- 
ance with  the  state  of  my  soul,  and  prepare  me  for 
the  holy  exercises  to  which  I  am  called.  Save  me 
from  all  delusion,  pride,  and  self-deceit.  Forgive,  of 
thine  infinite  goodness,  every  offence  which  I  have 
committed ;  and  accept  the  renewal,  which  I  am  about 
to  make  of  my  vows. 

Thou  invitest  me  to  the  memorial  of  my  Saviour's 


PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS.         165 

dying  love :  and  blessed  be  thy  name  for  this  means 
of  enkindling  and  increasing  my  affection  and  grati- 
tude to  him.  Take  me  into  thy  holy  keeping,  and 
grant  that  I  may  experience  no  distraction  of  mind. 
Let  me  not  be  an  unfurnished  guest,  to  whom  it  may 
be  justly  said.  "  How  earnest  thou  in  hither,  not  hav- 
ing on  a  wedding  garment?"  Let  me  approach  the 
ordinance  with  penitence,  thankfulness,  and  faith,  with 
love  and  charity  to  all  mankind.  Eating  the  bread 
and  drinking  the  cup,  which  Jesus  instituted,  let  me 
embrace  and  hold  fast  the  covenant  of  mercy,  and 
find  redemption  through  his  blood.  Direct  me  to 
profitable  meditations  upon  what  he  said,  did,  and 
suffered ;  and  let  the  remembrance  of  his  love,  his 
sacrifice,  and  his  glory,  comfort,  support,  and  strength- 
en me,  in  life  and  death. 

Heavenly  Father  !  be  thou  with  thy  servant  who 
ministers  to  me  in  the  sanctuary,  with  my  fellow- 
communicants,  with  all  my  Christian  brethren,  and 
with  every  human  being.  Dispose  all,  who  encircle 
thine  altar,  to  feel  and  to  act  as  friends,  partakers  of 
the  same  grace,  and  heirs  of  one  blissful  inheritance, 
through  Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour.    Amen. 


29. 

A  PRAYER  FOR  A  COMMUNICANT,  AFTER 
THE  CELEBRATION  OF  THE  LORDS 
SUPPER. 
FATHER  of  mercies,  and  God  of  love !  thou  hast 
caused  thy  goodness  to  pass  before  me  this  day. 
Follow  with  thy  blessing  what  I  have  been  permitted 
and  enabled  to  perform,  in  obedience  to  the  injunction 
of  thy  Son,  my  Lord.  If  thy  pure  eyes  have  seen 
any  thing  culpable  in  my  religious  services,  I  beseech 
thee  to  pardon  me.     Let  not  the  pious  reflections 


166         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

which  have  occupied  my  attention,  or  the  purposes 
which  I  have  formed,  in  the  company  of  my  fellow- 
worshippers,  and  in  showing  forth  the  death  of  Jesus, 
ever  be  strange  to  my  heart. 

I  have  avowed  thee,  the  Lord,  to  be  my  God,  en- 
gaging to  keep  thy  commandments  and  to  hearken  to 
thy  voice.  I  have  confessed  thy  Son  before  men, 
publicly  receiving  his  testimony,  solemnly  acknow- 
ledging him  to  be  my  divine  Master  and  Guide,  my 
Saviour  and  Forerunner  in  the  path  of  holiness  and 
glory. — O  forbid,  that  I  should  ever  make  shipwreck 
of  faith,  by  not  holding  fast  a  good  conscience.  Pre- 
serve me  from  the  smallest  degree  of  that  spirit,  which 
works  in  the  children  of  disobedience.  Preserve  me 
from  proving  faithless  to  my  vows,  and  from  bringing 
reproach  on  the  Christian  name.  Help  me  to  follow 
the  Lamb,  whithersoever  he  goeth ;  to  abide  in  him,  the 
true  vine ;  and  to  stand  fast  in  the  liberty  wherewith 
he  hath  made  his  disciples  free.  Enable  me  at  all 
times  to  remember  his  new  command,  that  we  should 
love  one  another,  even  as  he  has  loved  us.  Save  me 
from  the  shocking  inconsistencies  and  the  dreadful  fate 
of  those,  who  call  him  Lord,  Lord,  but  unto  whom  he 
will  say,  "  Depart  from  me,  ye  that  work  iniquity." 
Raise  my  affections  from  earth  to  heaven ;  and  assist 
me  to  be  steadfast  and  immoveable,  always  abound- 
ing in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 

Merciful  Father,  I  have  found  that  it  is  good  for  me 
to  draw  nigh  unto  the  table  of  my  crucified  and  ex- 
alted Redeemer.  Make  me  habitually  attentive  to 
this  cheering  institution.  While  I  thereby  learn  to 
value  the  Saviour  and  his  gospel  more,  let  me  rejoice 
in  the  persuasion,  that  there  is  no  condemnation  to 
them  which  are  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  that  through  him 
we  have  mercy  and  the  forgiveness  of  sin.  May  I 
be  privileged  to  come  with  boldness  to  thy  throne, 
in  his  name,  and  his  peace  keep  my  heart  in  every 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.         167 

changing  scene.  May  I  regard  it  as  my  highest  ho- 
nour, to  be  his  disciple  and  an  instrument  for  advanc- 
ing his  kingdom  among  men.  May  I  triumph  in  this, 
that  my  Lord,  who  was  once  dead,  lives  and  reigns 
forever,  and  that  where  he  is  his  faithful  followers 
shall  also  be.  When  he  comes  to  judge  the  world, 
may  he  not  be  ashamed  of  me,  but  receive  me  into 
his  own  mansions  of  love  and  joy. 

Once  more,  O  thou  Parent  of  all !  I  implore  thy 
blessing  upon  thy  church  universal,  and  upon  the 
whole  human  family.  Comfort  every  sorrowful  soul. 
Bring  into  the  way  of  truth  all  such,  as  have  erred 
and  gone  astray.  Convert  all  such,  as  are  in  the 
gall  of  bitterness  and  the  bonds  of  iniquity.  Lead 
all  Christians  to  be  careful  to  maintain  good  works. 
Let  thy  grace  be  multiplied  upon  the  religious  society 
of  which  I  am  a  member,  and  upon  the  pastor  of  the 
flock.  Let  all,  with  whom  I  am  connected,  and  who 
are  dear  to  me,  be  enrolled  in  the  book  of  life  ;  and 
let  them  and  me  be  brought  to  sing  the  praises  of  God 
and  of  the  Lamb  for  ever  and  ever.     Amen. 


30. 

A  GENERAL  PRAYER  WHICH  MAY  BE 

USED  AT  ANY  TIME. 
O  GOD,  the  Maker  and  Governor  of  the  world  !  I, 
thine  unworthy  servant,  would  appear  before  thee,  un- 
der the  deepest  sense  of  thy  perfections  and  of  my  total 
dependance  upon  thy  Providence  and  grace.  I  re- 
joice that  I  am  privileged  to  worship  thee,  whose 
glories  are  far  exalted  above  all  that  I  can  conceive, 
and  before  whom  the  hosts  of  heaven  bow  down  with 
the  profoundest  reverence.  I  adore  thee  as  possessed 
of  all-comprehending  knowledge,  unerring  wisdom,  un- 
limited power,  impartial  justice,  unbounded  goodness, 


168       PRAYERS   FOR    INDIVIDUALS. 

unspotted  purity,  unchangeable  truth  and  faithfulness. 
I  acknowledge  thee  to  be  the  giver  of  all  good  gifts, 
and  the  disposer  of  all  events.  I  confess,  that  thy  fa- 
vour alone  is  life,  and  that  I  cannot  be  happy  without 
thy  love.  I  am  sensible,  that  thou  art  the  tenderest 
Father  and  best  Friend  to  thy  creatures,  prescribing 
only  such  laws  to  them  as  are  highly  salutary,  ever 
disposed  to  lead  them  to  their  true  felicity,  ready  to 
promote  and  assist  their  sincere  endeavours  to  obtain 
it,  and  constantly  exercising  thy  perfections  for  this  pur- 
pose. Precious  is  the  thought  of  thee  to  all  who  are 
acquainted  with  thy  character  and  who  study  to  ac- 
complish thy  gracious  designs.  Worthy  art  thou  of 
the  homage,  affection,  and  obedience  of  all  intelligent 
beings  on  heaven  and  on  earth. 

I  praise  thee,  O  Lord,  that,  amidst  the  multitude 
of  thy  creatures  and  subjects,  I  am  not  forgotten 
and  overlooked :  but  that  thou  knowest,  and  lovest, 
and  providest  for  me,  as  thy  child,  with  paternal 
care.  I  praise  thee,  that  thou  hast  preserved  me 
from  many  calamities  and  sufferings.  I  thank  thee 
for  all  the  powers  of  my  nature,  for  the  satisfactions 
and  comforts  of  society,  for  the  kindness  of  my  rela- 
tions and  friends,  for  every  domestic  enjoyment,  for 
the  measure  of  health  and  prosperity  with  which  I  am 
favoured,  and  for  all  those  outward  conveniences  and 
advantages  which  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  give  me. 
I  thank  thee,  that  thou  hast  formed  me  after  thine 
own  image,  made  me  free  and  intelligent,  and  des- 
tined me  for  an  immortal  existence.  I  bless  thee  for 
all  the  assistances  which  I  have  received  for  the  cul- 
tivation of  my  mind,  and  for  all  the  means  of  educa- 
tion and  religion.  Above  all,  I  desire  to  bless  thee 
for  the  mission  and  gospel  of  Christ  Jesus,  thy  well- 
beloved  and  only  begotten  Son.  I  bless  thee  for  the 
satisfactory  evidences  he  gave,  that  he  was  truly 
sent  by  thee  for  the  salvation  of  the  world.     I  bles3 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.        169 

thee  for  his  divine  instructions,  for  his  perfect  exam- 
ple, and  for  all  his  labours  and  sufferings.  I  bless 
thee  for  his  humbling  himself  even  to  the  death  of  the 
cross,  and  shedding  his  blood  for  the  remission  of  our 
sins  ;  for  his  resurrection  from  the  grave,  and  for  his 
entrance  into  heaven  as  our  Captain  and  Forerunner. 
I  bless  thee  for  the  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon 
his  Apostles,  for  the  propagation  of  his  doctrines,  and 
for  the  preservation  of  his  church.  How  rich  is  the 
grace,  which  I  have  received  through  his  mediation ! 
How  wonderfully  hast  thou  provided  for  my  improve- 
ment, my  comfort,  and  my  everlasting  welfare  !  What 
can  I  render  unto  thee,  in  return  for  that  mercy,  to 
which  alone  it  is  to  be  ascribed,  that  I  am  not  wan- 
dering in  a  land  of  darkness,  superstition,  and  idola- 
try, that  I  am  not  the  victim  of  fear  and  despair  ? — 
What  gratitude  do  I  owe  to  thy  dear  Son,  who  sub- 
mitted to  the  most  cruel  death,  that  I  might  rejoice  in 
the  hope  of  thy  compassion,  and  in  the  assurance  of 
eternal  life  and  glory  !  Never,  O  God,  can  I  repay, 
never  can  I  fully  express  or  worthily  praise  thee  for 
all  that  thou  hast  done  for  my  soul,  for  all  the  bene- 
fits which  thou  art  continuing  to  bestow  upon  me  from 
day  to  day. 

Encouraged,  merciful  Father  !  by  the  invaluable 
promises  of  my  Lord  and  Saviour,  I  draw  near  unto 
thy  throne,  to  entreat  of  thee  the  pardon  of  whatso- 
ever thou  hast  seen  amiss  in  me.  I  confess  to  thee, 
that  my  sins  and  infirmities  are  many  and  great,  and 
that  I  could  not  expect  any  portion  of  thy  favour,  if 
thou  shouldst  be  extreme  to  mark  and  to  punish  what 
is  wrong.  But  it  is  the  consolation  and  support  of 
my  mind,  that  thou  hast  sent  Jesus  Christ  to  save  us 
from  our  sins,  and  that  thou  art  pleased  to  accept  the 
upright  endeavours  of  the  humble  and  penitent  to  re- 
form whatever  has  been  criminal  in  their  hearts  and 
conduct.      Forgive,    I   beseech    thee,   every   wilful 


170         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

thought,  disposition,  word,  and  deed,  which  has  been 
displeasing  in  thy  sight ;  and  vouchsafe  to  justify  me 
upon  those  terms,  which  thy  holiness  and  mercy  have 
laid  down  in  the  gospel.  I  do  willingly  and  entirely 
forgive  all,  who  may  have  injured  or  offended  me. 
If  I  have  done  wrong  to  any,  I  am  ready  to  make  all 
possible  reparation.  I  seriously  renounce  all  com- 
munication with  whatsoever  thou  hast  forbidden,  and 
devote  myself  to  thy  service  and  the  performance  of 
thy  will.  I  am  persuaded,  that  these  are  indispen- 
sable qualifications  for  thy  favour ;  and  earnestly  be- 
seech thee  to  give  success  to  my  purposes,  by  the  in- 
fluences of  thy  Spirit,  and  the  dispensations  of  thy 
Providence. 

May  I  never  go  astray  from  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus,  but  seek  for  it  with  an  impartial  and. unpreju- 
diced mind,  be  delivered  from  those  passions  which 
hinder  its  discovery,  and  obey  it  from  the  heart. 
May  I  be  animated  by  that  faith,  which  overcomes 
the  world,  which  purifies  the  soul,  and  which  works 
by  love.  May  I  be  filled  with  that  hope,  which  will 
not  suffer  me  to  be  ashamed,  but  will  cause  me  to  run 
with  patience  the  race  set  before  me.  May  I  be  pos- 
sessed of  that  charity,  which  is  the  end  of  the  com- 
mandment, and  without  which  whosoever  liveth  is 
counted  dead  before  thee.  May  I  cherish  a  constant 
regard  to  thee  as  my  Ruler  and  Judge,  worship  thee 
with  a  thankful  and  resigned  temper,  praise  thee  with 
gladness,  and  rejoice  in  thy  protection.  May  I  be 
concerned  to  resemble  my  honoured  Master  in  every 
divine  and  amiable  disposition,  and  imbibe  his  zeal, 
his  devotion,  his  fortitude,  his  humility,  his  compas- 
sion, and  benevolence.  May  I  delight,  like  him,  in 
doing  good  ;  and  press  forward  with  unremitting  ar- 
dour towards  the  mark  of  the  prize  of  my  high  calling. 

My  outward  condition,  O  Lord,  it  is  my  happiness 
and  duty  to  refer  wholly  to  thy  wisdom.     With  sub- 


PRAYERS    FOR    INDIVIDUALS.  171 

mission  to  thy  will,  I  implore  from  thee  those  things 
which  are  necessary  to  the  security  and  comfort  of 
life ;  and  pray,  that  I  may  be  preserved  from  great 
calamities  and  alllictions,  if  this  be  consistent  with  thy 
gracious  purposes.  Lead  me  in  that  path,  which  thou 
seest  to  be  best  for  me.  Help  me  to  become  perfectly 
contented,  to  repose  unlimited  confidence  in  thy  go- 
vernment, and  to  improve  health  and  sickness,  joy  and 
sorrow,  to  thy  glory.  May  1  so  pass  through  things 
temporal,  as  not  to  forget  the  things  which  are  eter- 
nal. May  I  so  use  the  world,  as  not  to  abuse  it. 
Moderate  in  my  desires  for  its  good  things,  temperate 
in  every  lawful  gratification,  and  patient  under  every 
disappointment,  trial,  or  suffering,  may  I  constantly 
aspire  to  a  higher  bliss  than  any  which  can  here  be 
obtained,  lay  a  good  foundation  against  the  time  to 
come,  and  daily  look  forward  to  the  glory  which  is 
about  to  be  revealed  to  thy  faithful  servants.  May 
I  behold  the  approach  of  death  with  peace  and  satis- 
faction ;  and,  when  my  course  is  finished,  be  removed 
from  this  mixed  state  of  discipline  to  the  land  of  un- 
fading happiness  and  perfect  love. 

I  praise  thee,  O  God,  that  thou  art  the  merciful 
Parent  of  all  men ;  and  I  beseech  thee  to  have  com- 
passion upon  and  to  save  every  individual  of  the  hu- 
man family.  Be  pleased  to  bless  my  friends,  to  re- 
ward my  benefactors,  and  to  take  into  thy  holy  keep- 
ing the  family  with  which  I  am  connected.  Visit 
with  thy  light  and  comfort  all  who  are  afflicted  with 
sickness  and  pain.  Console  and  cheer  all  who  are 
distressed  in  mind.  Provide  for  the  relief  of  those, 
who  are  suffering  want.  Pity  the  widow  and  orphan ; 
gladden  the  hearts  of  such  as  mourn  the  loss  of  those 
they  loved ;  hear  the  cries  of  the  persecuted  and  op- 
pressed ;  be  nigh  unto  all,  who  are  in  circumstances 
of  peril.  Turn  the  ungodly  to  the  love  and  fear  of 
thy  name  :  support  and  strengthen  every  upright  soul ; 


172         PRAYERS  FOR  INDIVIDUALS. 

give  rest  and  joy  to  every  weary  and  heavy-laden 
sinner.  Spread  the  gospel  of  Christ  Jesus  throughout 
the  earth  ;  put  an  end  to  all  war,  strife,  tyranny,  and 
injustice;  and  let  every  nation  become  virtuous,  en- 
lightened, and  happy.  Direct  our  rulers ;  preserve 
our  liberties ;  prosper  our  citizens ;  assist  us  to  be- 
come a  righteous  people,  whom  thou  wilt  bless  and 
protect ;  and  let  all  our  institutions  for  the  education 
of  youth,  and  for  the  maintenance  and  diffusion  of 
pure  religion,  be  crowned  with  success. 

Accept,  O  God,  I  beseech  thee,  these  sentiments 
and  desires  of  my  heart,  which  I  offer  up  in  the  name 
of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  through  whom  I  trust  for 
the  acceptance  of  my  person,  and  all  my  sincere,  but 
imperfect  services.  And"  unto  thee  be  endless  praise 
and  glory.     Amen. 


ifrmlfw*  ,  rffrr.  ,,ti1tiiiiii^3^3j#rffrfi 


